With today’s technology, what is the risk of radiation exposure to our people and the environment?
Modern uranium mines are designed, constructed and operated with radiation and environmental protection in mind. Some of the measures in place include ventilation systems that quickly reduce radon concentrations in air, ore containment systems to prevent radon emissions in air, continuous monitoring systems that warn of changing concentrations of radon in air, and concrete shielding to reduce radiation readings in parts of the mill. The result is modern uranium mine site workers receive on average only about 5% of the regulated dose limit and up to 1000 times less radiation than uranium mine workers received 60 years ago. More information can be found in the handout produced by the Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission at www.cnsc-ccsn.gc.ca/eng/mediacentre/updates/uranium_mining.cfm