NIOSH has released a report
stating that there is "a potential for significant occupational exposures and health effects from vapors released from the hazardous waste-storage tanks," and that "vapor constituents may be present at sufficiently high concentrations to pose a health risk to workers."The report also found that "that chemical monitoring was insufficient and conducted in arbitrary locations, and that samples were sometimes collected hours after a vapor exposure had occurred. "
You may recall that the Washington Post and Government Accountability Project investigation and a Department of Energy study found similar problems at Hanford.
"They found what we've been saying, that (the contractor) can do a much better job protecting us," said Steve Lewis, an electrician who has worked at the Hanford Nuclear Reservation for more than a decade and says he was injured by tank vapors. I will post a link to the NIOSH report when I find it.The institute's report, released yesterday, was applauded by workers and watchdog groups who said it provides added vindication for their allegations that tank workers were being made sick.
Update: And here it is.
