CNSC response to the article entitled - Port Hope warned of 'life and death' threat - published in the Toronto Star on November 10, 2010

To the editor:

Your November 10 article “Port Hope warned of “life and death” threat” compels me to respond to the misleading and inaccurate statements made by Dr. Helen Caldicott. Her claims are nothing more than unacceptable fear-mongering.

Concerned readers should know that Port Hope residents are as healthy as the rest of the Canadian population. This is demonstrated by scientific studies conducted over several decades by reputable and independent bodies. Dr. Caldicott’s allegations of medical corruption are simply outrageous.

Last year, the Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission reviewed findings from over thirty environmental and thirteen epidemiological studies and published a synthesis report that was presented during open houses held in the community. To suggest that no credible studies exist is simply unacceptable.

The CNSC provides regulatory oversight of clean up activities in Port Hope to ensure there will be no impact to the health and safety of residents and their environment.

I invite your readers to visit our Web site at nuclearsafety.gc.ca to get the facts about Canada’s nuclear sector.

Michael Binder
President
Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission