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Published:
March 6, 2008
Row
erupts over Hinkley Point infant mortality figures
A
report by health officials disputing high infant death rates in
the Burnham-On-Sea area around Hinkley Point may have diluted
the statistics by examining populations less likely to be affected,
nuclear campaigners claimed on Wednesday (March 5th).
The
'Stop
Hinkley' group has this week called for fresh research into the
risk of breast cancer, leukaemia and infant mortality concentrated
in the same affected populations.
The campaigners claim a statement
issued by the South West Public Health Observatory this week in
response to a study
on infant mortality around Hinkley Point shows populations and
dates different to those in the original research, which would
dilute the mortality figures.
Stop Hinkley goes on to say that "SWPHO health officials
chose to include figures from three extra electoral wards which
were not part of the original study. They had been excluded as
they were not downwind from the Steart Flats or estuary rivers."
"SWPHO also did not mention their redefinition of estuary
wards in their press release criticising the Green Audit study,
nor the use of a different band of dates which also made comparison
meaningless."
Jim Duffy, spokesman for Stop Hinkley, added: "It seems perverse
of the authorities to bring in populations less likely to be affected.
This was bound to dilute Dr Busby's figures. What should happen
now is a look at the big picture with a trustworthy study totting
up the total risk of breast cancer, leukaemia and infant deaths
occurring together in the same wards. Our guess is this would
be statistically very high and further implicate Hinkley Point."
"It's unhelpful of the officials to say our research might
cause unnecessary anxiety. If they're wrong the consequences are
much greater. They should welcome this very detailed report which
backs other research and anecdotal evidence."
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