A researcher on North Korean human rights has revealed details on poor working conditions in the North’s nuclear facilities to the U.S. Congress.
 
Shin Chang-hoon, a research fellow at the Asan Institute for Policy Studies, shared his findings at a House of Representatives hearing on Wednesday.

[Sound bite: Shin Chang-hoon - Research Fellow, Asan Institute for Policy Studies]
"...the interviewee recalled that he never witnessed any
ventilation system that diluted the concentration of Radon."
 
The research fellow claimed that North Koreans working in uranium mines in Pyongsan and nuclear fuel reprocessing facilities in Yongbyon are exposed to radon, which is a carcinogen. 
 
Shin added that laborers at the facilities work seven hours a day wearing only dustproof masks. He said that 60 percent of female workers are suffering from infertility.
 
Shin said most laborers at the facilities suffer from constant respiratory disorders, migraines and vomiting.
 
Wednesday’s hearing was organized by the U.S. Congress and reflected Washington’s interest on the human rights issue in the North.