The Gunnar Mine near Uranium City was once the largest uranium mine in the world. (Chris Carr/CKOM)

By Glynn Brothen

Study delayed

Results of Canadian uranium workers study delayed

Apr 24, 2024 | 8:00 AM

The country’s most comprehensive study on the effects of radiation on 90,000 Canadian uranium workers is delayed.

Originally expected to have its final study results released this year, the study has been pushed back to 2026 due to data-collecting complications arising from the COVID-19 pandemic.

Canada is the world’s second largest uranium producer. The study’s aim is to determine the risk of radon exposure on uranium workers in Saskatchewan and Ontario, particularly when it comes to lung cancer.

According to a statement provided to paNOW from the Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission, the pandemic and its public health restrictions prevented researchers from accessing databases at Statistics Canada.

“The analysis at the University of Saskatchewan will take at least one year to complete,” the statement said. “However, given some of the intricacies of the data already experienced, the research team has agreed to support the university researchers to spend more time, if needed, than initially planned.”

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The design of the study will follow up on uranium workers’ cause of death from 1930 to present, with 50 years of cancer data. The research network includes, the Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission, the Government of Saskatchewan, the University of Saskatchewan, Cameco, Orano Canada and BWXT Nuclear Energy Canada.

Preliminary results are expected to be released later this year.

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Glynn.brothen@pattisonmedia.com