Professional Opinion

Dr. Eli Stern

Aims and Objectives

To conduct a comprehensive quantitative evaluation of the exposure of Ashdod Port loose cargo plant workers to radioactive substances (ionizing radiation) and dangerous chemical materials as a result of rising dust in the loose cargo plants.

The report not only evaluated the risks of inhaling contaminated and radioactive dust, but also the risks of direct radiation from potash and phosphate agglomeration and the risks of radon exposure.

The evaluations were conducted generically and individually - for specific "work stations" - and the results compared with international and Israeli radiation and dangerous substance standards.

Similarly, the report includes coping with claim submissions and various expert opinions on the issue, and there is a quantitative evaluation of the dangers of contracting cancer (stressing a priori risks) for the various workers who did or did not become ill with the disease.

Implications/Applications

Was any cancer suffered by workers indeed caused (or more specifically could it have been caused) by radioactive exposure, given their specific working conditions?

Status

The report was presented in fall 2007.

Funding Body

Israel Chemicals Ltd.

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