'Cancer Institute waste water not injurious'

Chaminda Perera

Refuting media reports, Atomic Energy Authority yesterday said that radio active substances are not contained in the waste water emanating from the Maharagama Cancer Institute and that people around the institute should not be afraid of possible leakages of radio iodine.

The Atomic Energy Authority tested samples of waste water emanating from the Maharagama Cancer Institute to ascertain whether they contained radio active substances after the National Water Supply and Drainage Board and Central Environment Authority drew attention to the matter.

They said the waste water is properly released to barren lands and it would pose no threat to public health.

The construction of a new drainage system to carry waste water in relay tanks to a recycling plant has also removed the possible threat of leaking radio active iodine to the environment.

Iodine 131 is a radiation generating medication administered to thyroid cancer patients and radiation is released by way of exhalation and urine.