PHCHCC - All naturally occur in every human

"So, the issue is not if they have uranium in their system, but how much. These levels (in the health committee report) are almost undetectable. You would find more (uranium level) in a back yard anywhere."

The fact depleted uranium was indicated in one test result is no surprise, Mr. Prendergast said.

"We are licensed to work with depleted uranium metal and depleted uranium oxide. In U236, small amounts (of depleted uranium) can be found, but that does not indicate it has come from a reactor or nuclear weapons. It doesn't.

"Cameco has an agreement with the Russian government. When they download former nuclear weapons, Cameco purchases the UF6 content (for reprocessing) - but that never comes to Canada or Port Hope."

"The implication (in the health committee report) was that some was being processed here," Mr. Kelly said Thursday. "Nothing could be further from the truth."

"Recently, a study was done on long-term health of Eldorado employees up to 1999," Mr. Prendergast said Thursday.

The paper, Epidemiology of Eldorado Uranium Workers 1950-1999, by Stan Frost and co-authors was presented to a seminar of the World Nuclear Association this past September. The study tracks the health of workers at uranium mines plus the Port Hope conversion facility. "The study shows clearly there is nothing abnormal about the people who have worked in that facility (Port Hope refinery) or in close proximity to the facility," Mr. Prendergast says of the study.

The study was a joint project, including Health Canada, the Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission, Stats Canada, Cameco and other companies. Emissions at the Port Hope Cameco facility are "typically in the 10 per cent of regulatory limit range," Mr. Prendergast said Thursday. "Emissions have come down significantly over the years - an estimated 60 per cent reduction in total emissions over the past 15 years.

The company also cites its ongoing regular, required health testing and monitoring for employees as indicating no anomalies.

"The health of Port Hope residents are compatible to the health of residents in any other city," Mr. Kelly said.

"It is really unfortunate this group has chosen to put these statements out there," Mr. Kelly said. "It is bordering on the irresponsible. And to choose to make it public in Toronto, rather than the courtesy of the local people.... Let the people judge what is the motive behind that."

If the e-mails and telephone calls Cameco has received are an identification, Mr. Kelly said, "This group has crossed the line."