Novembre 9, 2001   Dramatic increase in radiation in Vieques

"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 (CPRDV).  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

1.   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%.

2.   During the intense bombing of Sept-Oct 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%.

3.   Not being other sources of radiation nearby, as occurs with the "depleted" uranium (238) projectiles in the bombing range, it is corect to conclude that radioactive dust is present inEsperanza 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 CPRDV denounced the great danger for the health of vieques resulting from the use of uranium 238 projectiles.He rejected the remarksmade 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 dataused 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 modelling, not actualfield samples over time, in addition to data provided by the Navy.)

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

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

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