Radiation, Risks Are Focus of Breast Screening Studies

Two new studies appearing in Tuesday’s issue of the journal Radiology suggest more physicians should take a more measured approach when recommending diagnostic radiation exposure for women. One study found that certain nuclear-based breast imaging exams that involve injecting radioactive material into patients expose women to far higher doses of radiation than regular mammography, increasing their risk of cancer in vulnerable organs beyond the breast, like the kidneys, bladder or ovaries. The New York Times.

In Superman’s hometown, a labor dispute over health

Union workers at the nation’s only uranium conversion plant, in Metropolis, Ill., have erected 42 crosses nearby in memory of workers who died of cancer. Twenty-seven smaller crosses symbolize workers who have survived the disease. The New York Times.

Ohio cancer cluster families, communities still seek answers

While families continue to combat childhood cancer in eastern Sandusky County, Ohio, answers are still elusive. The Ohio EPA completed air, water and wildlife testing in the area and discovered no chemical or pollutant that constitutes as a smoking gun. But a new survey and radiation testing could shed light on the cases. Sandusky Register.

Beyond Nuclear note: Sandusky County, Ohio is the county directly south of the county where the Davis Besse nuclear reactor is located.



Labor unions at uranium conversion plant picket to protect health

Union workers at the nation’s only uranium conversion plant, in Metropolis, Ill., fear that exposure in the workplace contributed to the high cancer mortality rate at the plant. According to an August 8 article in the New York Times, workers "have erected 42 crosses nearby in memory of workers who died of cancer. Twenty-seven smaller crosses symbolize workers who have survived the disease". The unions are involved in a protracted labor dispute with Honeywell, the plant operator, which is attempting to reduce pensions for newly hired workers and health benefits for retirees. The union is picketing the plant around the clock. Reported the Times: “We deal with hydrofluoric acid,” said Darrell Lillie, president of United Steelworkers Local 7-669, which represents the union workers. “We make fluorine. This is bad stuff. The least we feel like we could have is good medical benefits when we retire.”

Workers still waiting to be paid after high level radiation exposure

Many former workers at Blockson Chemical Co. in Illinois and their survivors still have not been paid from a fund created in 2000 to make amends for exposing the workers to high levels of radiation without telling them or providing adequate protection. Chicago Tribune.