[CPEO-MEF] Vieques Radiation Press Release

[Lenny Siegel <lsiegel@cpeo.org>]

COMMITTEE FOR THE RESCUE AND DEVELOPMENT OF VIEQUES
PO BOX 1424 Vieques, Puerto Rico  00765
(787) 741-0716 E mail: <bieke@prdital.com>

PRESS RELEASE:     DRAMATIC INCREASE IN RADIATION IN VIEQUES
November 9, 2001

"Radioactive contamination continues to be a grave problem in Vieques,"
announced Nuclear Engineer, Frankie Jimenez, consultant to the Committee
for the Rescue and Development of Vieques (CRDV). Investigations related
to radiation and radioactivity, conducted between July-October 2001,
after the last two rounds of bombings in Vieques, reveal that the level
of radiation increased dramatically in diverse points of the island that
were studied by Jimenez. 

The tests concluded that

* The June, 2001 bombings stirred up radioactive dust in the eastern
zone of Vieques, in the area of Yayi Beach (near the bombing
range).Since the June exercises were not very intense this dust did not
reach the civilian population, although radiation near Yayi Beach
increased 60%.

* During the intense bombing of September-October, 2001, which lasted
many more days than in June, radiation in Esperanza Beach (civilian
area, south coast) increased 248%, and in the main town (Isabel II,
north coast) it increased 225%.

* Not being other sources of radiation nearby, as occurs with the
"depleted" uranium (238) projectiles in the bombing range, it is correct
to conclude that radioactive dust is present in Esperanza and Isabel II.
This radioactive dust continues to be absorbed and inhaled until rain
falls, then depositing it in the soil.

Dr. Rafael Rivera Castaño, Viequense epidemiologist for CRDV, denounced
the great danger for the health of Vieques resulting from the use of
uranium 238 projectiles. He rejected the remarks made by the US Agency
for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR) to the effect that
there is no military contamination in the "little girl island," pointing
out that the principal source of data used by the ATSDR came from the US
Navy, according to ATSDR's Dr. Campbell (in a recent speech at the San
Juan Rotary Club). (Note: Air studies by the ATSDR used computer
modeling, not actual field samples over time, in addition to data
provided by the Navy.)

For his part, engineer Jimenez signaled his concern about the study of
radioactive soil and air contamination in soil and air that the ATSDR
will soon conduct. Both Jimenez and CRDV proposed that studies be
conducted independently of data and resources provided by the Navy, in
order to ensure the credibility of the results.

CRDV spokespersons condemned the planned exercises for the end of
November-December, which will increase even more the levels of
radioactive contamination that will contribute to the rise in diseases
such as cancer, related to military contamination.

Contact: Nilda Medina 
Teléfone: (787) 741-0716

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