nuclear-news

Polynesians paid the radioactive price of atomic bomb testing

Battle against nuclear risks unending Stuff.co.nz LIZ WILLIS 6 Aug 13, Health problems for people close to atomic bomb testing at Mururoa are a reminder of why public pressure against nuclear weapons is so important, peace campaigner John Buckland says.

New Zealand’s anti-nuclear stance is back in the spotlight as navy veterans mark 40 years since two Kiwi frigates sailed to protest against French testing in the Pacific.

Mr Buckland says the veterans deserve to be involved in a comprehensive state-supported investigation into deaths and radiation-linked illnesses.

The Birkenhead resident, who received a lifetime peacemakers award from the Peace Foundation for his education work, gathered information about testing during a holiday in Tahiti.

Tahiti is a dream destination but visitors are often unaware of the darker side of life for French Polynesians – the ongoing medical impact of exposure to radioactive fallout, Mr Buckland says.

He says the extent of deaths and radiation sickness from more than 30 years of testing by the French government has been hidden and locals are scared to talk about it. “It is known that 200 victims of radiation were flown from Tahiti for treatment in French hospitals, but nothing is known of their fate.”…..http://www.stuff.co.nz/auckland/local-news/north-shore-times/9003381/Battle-against-nuclear-risks-unending

August 6, 2013 - Posted by Christina Macpherson | general