Long study shows nuclear plant safe

By Chen Hong (China Daily)
Updated: 2008-10-24 07:33

SHENZHEN: A survey of a nuclear plant, carried out continuously over a period of 25 years, shows it has not affected the health of nearby residents, the Shenzhen health bureau said on Wednesday.

The Daya Bay station is located about 70 km away from the center of Shenzhen, Guangdong province.

The survey showed there was no greater incidence of diseases in Shenzhen such as malignant tumors, leukemia and goiter, compared to other cities in the province.

"We can conclude from the survey that so far the nuclear power station has had no negative impact on the health of the residents," Zhang Xiaogang, president of Shenzhen Hospital for the Prevention and Treatment of Occupational Diseases, said.

The survey covered people living within 80 km of the nuclear power station.

More than 100 specialists from central, provincial and local governments have participated in the survey, Zhang said.

They carried out on-site checks, and collected data on the death rate of infants and children, malignant tumor deaths, birth defects, and radiation levels in food and drinking water.

The Daya Bay station constructed by China Guangdong Nuclear Power Holding Co.was put into commercial operation in 1994

It also operates another nuclear plant, Ling Ao, built in 1997.

The two plants generated 28.9 billion kilowatt-hours of electricity last year, of which about 70 percent was supplied to Hong Kong.