SASKATCHEWAN SHARES COST OF URANIUM WORKERS HEALTH STUDY

Released on February 7, 2003

The Government of Saskatchewan is participating in the funding of a two-year federal-provincial health study of uranium workers.

The funding will be used to complete an epidemiological study of mine workers who worked in mines before 1975, and to conduct a feasibility study for extending that study to workers engaged in uranium mining since 1975.

The first part of the study, a review of past miners, is underway as an update to a previous study. It includes mortality and exposure estimates for former workers at Beaverlodge, Port Radium and Port Hope. Once the update data has been collected, statistical analysis and risk assessment will be used to investigate possible links between radon exposure and the risk of lung cancer.

The second part of the overall study involves a similar analysis of the mining population since 1975 taking into account factors such as smoking and exposure to other carcinogens in the environment.

"The health of mine workers is a very important issue," Labour Minister Deb Higgins said. "This study will provide valuable information for everyone who is involved in the mining sector."

Saskatchewan's portion of the costs, about $60,000 over two years, will be shared by Environment, Health via northern health regions, Industry and Resources, Labour, and Northern Affairs. The Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission and the uranium mining industry will also put up $60,000 each for the study.

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For More Information, Contact:

Dr. Ernie Becker Labour Saskatoon Phone: 933=5055 Email: ebecker@lab.gov.sk.ca