Radiation releases at New York nuclear site

A federal investigation into radiation released during demolition of a research building at the Knolls Atomic Power Laboratory found workers felt pressed by bosses to ignore safety issues and get work done faster. The U.S. Department of Energy is probing three cases where radioactive material was released during cleanup work at the Knolls Atomic Power Labs in Niskayuna. The project manager has been replaced and the private contractor has been put on alert that it could be fired. 

Veterans' long battle for nuclear tests' compensation

The first British nuclear bomb was set off in the Archipelago of Montebello on 3 October 1952The Court of Appeal's decision to deny ex-servicemen compensation for the injuries they say they suffered during Cold War nuclear tests more than 50 years ago, is a setback for the thousands who were watching the test cases anxiously. BBC.

Radiation fear for Australian uranium mine workers

State and Federal Government officials are investigating an environmental proposal released this week by one of the world's biggest uranium companies to begin open-pit uranium mining upwind of an existing copper mine camp.Cameco's Kintyre Uranium Project report details risks to mine workers from radiation exposure, the potential for groundwater contamination and the spread of radioactive dust and its potential to endanger flora and fauna. Also at issue is the water, equivalent to two Olympic-sized pools - to operate the mine. Perth Now Sunday Times.

Radioactive groundwater found at North Anna

Dominion Virginia Power has notified federal authorities about the discovery of low levels of radioactive groundwater at the utility's North Anna nuclear power station in Louisa County. A recent groundwater monitoring sample point at the plant recorded a level of 16,500 picoCuries of tritium per liter, according to a report that Dominion filed Friday with the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission. Normal tritrium levels at the particular sample point are 4,000 picoCuries per liter or less. Times-Dispatch.

Beyond Nuclear's take: Levels of 4000 picocuries per liter in water are nowhere near normal since tritium is created and occurs naturally in surface waters at 10 to 30 picoCuries per liter. And although the Environmental Protection Agency standard for tritium concentration is 20,000 picocuries, this level is not safe since tritium crosses the placental barrier in pregnant women. This exposes the fetus, whose enhanced sensitivity to radiation damage is well-known. Studies show tritium exposure is associated with a host of health problems including cancer.