Radioactive substance detected around uranium mine in Kazakhstan, researcher discloses at symposium in Hiroshima
Mar. 8, 2010
by Junji Akechi, Staff Writer
It was learned on March 5 that higher-than-normal levels of radioactive substances were detected in the atmosphere and food around a uranium mine and its related facilities in northern Kazakhstan. The findings were presented by a Kazak researcher at an international symposium on radiation exposure held at Hiroshima University in Minami Ward, Hiroshima.
Dr. Kazymbet Polat of Astana Medical University analyzed air samples collected in residences and schools, and food samples such as beef and milk. These samples were collected in 11 villages from 6 to 8 kilometers away from Stepnogorsk Mining & Chemical Complex, where uranium is mined and processed. In samples collected in classrooms, more than 10 times the normal radon concentration was measured, according to Dr. Polat. Radon is a radioactive substance.
With regard to food samples, the concentration of polonium (a radioactive substance) in beef and the concentration of uranium in milk were up to three times larger than samples collected in a village 100 kilometers from the mine. Based on such data, it is estimated that citizens in the areas of the research are exposed to 9.75 millisieverts of radiation annually through breathing and ingestion, about 10 times the maximum level permissible for the average person.
It was also pointed out that the areas covered in the study have a higher incidence of cancer than the domestic average.
Dr. Polat commented, "Radiation may be a contributing factor. Uranium production has been increasing each year. There is a pressing need to take action."
(Originally published on March 6, 2010)
Related article
Interview with Professor Masaharu Hoshi: 60 years since the first nuclear test in former Semipalatinsk (Aug. 31, 2009)
It was learned on March 5 that higher-than-normal levels of radioactive substances were detected in the atmosphere and food around a uranium mine and its related facilities in northern Kazakhstan. The findings were presented by a Kazak researcher at an international symposium on radiation exposure held at Hiroshima University in Minami Ward, Hiroshima.
Dr. Kazymbet Polat of Astana Medical University analyzed air samples collected in residences and schools, and food samples such as beef and milk. These samples were collected in 11 villages from 6 to 8 kilometers away from Stepnogorsk Mining & Chemical Complex, where uranium is mined and processed. In samples collected in classrooms, more than 10 times the normal radon concentration was measured, according to Dr. Polat. Radon is a radioactive substance.
With regard to food samples, the concentration of polonium (a radioactive substance) in beef and the concentration of uranium in milk were up to three times larger than samples collected in a village 100 kilometers from the mine. Based on such data, it is estimated that citizens in the areas of the research are exposed to 9.75 millisieverts of radiation annually through breathing and ingestion, about 10 times the maximum level permissible for the average person.
It was also pointed out that the areas covered in the study have a higher incidence of cancer than the domestic average.
Dr. Polat commented, "Radiation may be a contributing factor. Uranium production has been increasing each year. There is a pressing need to take action."
(Originally published on March 6, 2010)
Related article
Interview with Professor Masaharu Hoshi: 60 years since the first nuclear test in former Semipalatinsk (Aug. 31, 2009)
