What risks does food irradiation present because it is a nuclear technology?
The use of radioactive materials, even in small amounts, naturally raises concerns about the safety of the environment. I believe we are all well aware that nuclear waste storage is a problem in Canada, with no immediate solution in sight. With many food irradiation facilities, spread across Canada, located in your community, the amount of radioactive waste will escalate. There will be increased transport of radioactive material, which increases the risk of an accident – no matter what precautions are taken, there is never a guarantee that an accident or terrorist event will not result in a radioactive spill. All nuclear facilities have inherent occupational risks for the workers and those living near the facility; accidents at food irradiation facilities have already been documented.
