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Five reasons why the transit of highly radioactive materials should be banned

by the Civil Society Initiative for the Environment

1. Irradiated nuclear fuel, plutonium, nuclear fuel containing plutonium, and all of the other wastes derived from nuclear energy production, due to their high levels of radioactivity and toxicity, are extremely dangerous materials. They represent a grave danger to the lives, health and the quality of life of the Panamanian people; to the human, marine and natural environments; and to the national economy.

2. As much as the risks of accidents or incidents might be reduced, and as adequate as the safety standards used in the design of vehicles, packaging and containers, or in cargo handling procedures, none of this minimizes the risks posed by highly radioactive or radiotoxic materials themselves.

3. There exists no study about the safety risks involved in various scenarios with respect to pollution caused by the transit of highly radioactive or radiotoxic materials, nor is there a complete and detailed environmental impact study about the risks that Panama, Central America and the Caribbean region run if the human, marine or natural environments are contaminated by these materials. Our country doesn't even have the personnel trained to carry out such studies.

4. The release into the air or the sea of just a small fraction of a highly radioactive or radiotoxic cargo could cause an unprecedented disaster to the environment and to public health around the world, and imperil the very existence of the Republic of Panama. This would be so whether it happens in territorial waters (within the 12-mile limit), in the exclusive economic zone (within the 200-mile limit) or within the internal waters of the transit zone, the latter of which is right where you find the country's major cities and half of its population.

5. Although the potential effects of a nuclear accident in Panama have never been evaluated, such an event could cause deaths and radiation sickness to a significant number of metropolitan area residents, the contamination of food or water sources, the loss of fauna and flora (the biodiversity that has gained the Isthmus of Panama international recognition), and the impossibility of inhabiting or making productive use of polluted areas for thousands of years.

- United Civic Associations for the Reforestation of Panama (ACU) - Oceanic Association of Panama (AOP) - Green Association of Panama (ASVEPA) - People's Legal Assistance Center (CEALP) - Panamanian Center for Social Studies and Action (CEASPA) - Law and Ecology Association (DEECO) - Environmental Defense - Foundation for the Development of Citizens' Liberty - Panama Audubon Society (SAP) - Union of Citizens of Panama (UCP) - Observer: Justice and Peace Commission