Post by blackcrowheart on Sept 27, 2006 16:55:57 GMT -5
High radiation found in Yukon town drinking water
Fri Sep 22, 2006 5:42 PM EDT
WHITEHORSE, Yukon (Reuters) - Residents of small native Indian community in Canada's Yukon territory have been ordered to stop drinking water from their wells after officials discovered high radiation levels.
Officials were analyzing the results of tests on water in small community of Champagne, but said on Friday that high levels of radiation had been found in seven of 12 wells in the community, whose residents are members of the Champagne-Aishihik First Nations.
Champagne is located in southwestern Yukon, about 140 km (87 miles) west of the territorial capital of Whitehorse.
Gary McRobb, who represents the region in Yukon's legislature, said residents are concerned the radiation may be linked to illnesses in the community. "They're quite upset about it," McRobb said.
The radiation is likely coming from naturally occurring uranium in the soil.
Potential health problems with unsafe drinking water in aboriginal communities has become a major political issue across Canada.
Fri Sep 22, 2006 5:42 PM EDT
WHITEHORSE, Yukon (Reuters) - Residents of small native Indian community in Canada's Yukon territory have been ordered to stop drinking water from their wells after officials discovered high radiation levels.
Officials were analyzing the results of tests on water in small community of Champagne, but said on Friday that high levels of radiation had been found in seven of 12 wells in the community, whose residents are members of the Champagne-Aishihik First Nations.
Champagne is located in southwestern Yukon, about 140 km (87 miles) west of the territorial capital of Whitehorse.
Gary McRobb, who represents the region in Yukon's legislature, said residents are concerned the radiation may be linked to illnesses in the community. "They're quite upset about it," McRobb said.
The radiation is likely coming from naturally occurring uranium in the soil.
Potential health problems with unsafe drinking water in aboriginal communities has become a major political issue across Canada.