Union leader defends safety of Oyster Creek plant

The League of Women Voters recently held a forum titled "Pros and Cons of Public Health Effects of Radiation at Oyster Creek Nuclear Plant."

The fact of the matter is that individuals living near a nuclear energy plant will get more radiation in a year from other environmental sources, such as television, the sun or certain foods, than any effect from radiation associated with a nuclear power plant. Studies also have demonstrated that there are no harmful effects on people living near nuclear power plants.

Some individuals have pointed to the so-called "Tooth Fairy Project" as establishing a link between nuclear energy and strontium-90 in baby teeth. This study has been widely discredited by the scientific community.

Joseph Mangano, [executive director of the Radiation and Public Health Project, which is conducting this study,] was included in the League of Woman Voters forum. He continues to peddle the results of his Tooth Fairy Project, even in the face of overwhelming scientific evidence to the contrary.

When we discuss nuclear energy, it is important that we stick to facts and not biased views and emotions. The Oyster Creek Generating Station has provided New Jersey residents with clean, safe and reliable energy for almost 40 years and will hopefully continue to do so for another 20 years.

It would be much easier to examine the positive health and environmental effects of nuclear energy. Every year Oyster Creek eliminates the emissions of 7.5 million metric tons of carbon dioxide that a replacement fossil fuel plant would release. Nuclear energy is also more cost-efficient than other similar energy sources, and it is constantly being generated regardless of weather conditions.

Oyster Creek Generating Station and its employees are creating clean, safe energy for residents of Ocean County and New Jersey.

Edward Stroup

President IBEW Local Union 1289

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