A new public health report suggests environmental and health assessments for the Pickering B nuclear power plant have been based on faulty and misleading data.

The report, released by the International Institute of Concern for Public Health, states that the public in the Durham region is being misled about safety issues associated with living in close proximity to the plant.

"I think people should understand that the assurance of health being given by the Durham department of health is like a straw man. It can be easily dismissed, is not serious and not good science," Dr. Rosalie Bertell, a biochemist and founder of the IICPH, said during a press conference at Queen's Park on Thursday.

Bertell believes that children born near the nuclear plant have shown elevated leukemia mortality rates along with higher instances of Down syndrome.

The biochemist is urging local health departments to collect better data pertaining to cancer and other diseases from those living in the Durham region.

The Ontario Power Generator maintains it meets and exceeds current safety levels for nuclear power generation set out by federal regulators.

The organization said many of its 7,000 nuclear scientists and engineers choose to live near the nuclear plant with their families.

OPG's director or licensing told CTV News on Thursday that she is currently raising her two children in Pickering, Ont.

She said the radiation dosage from living near the plant for one year is equivalent to taking one two-hour flight on a commercial aircraft.

Security overhaul

The OPG has decided it will hire and train its own para-military officers to handle security at the plant after an observation by a nuclear industry body stated the Pickering plant would not be able to defend itself in an air attack given its current state of security.

A special unit with the Durham police has been responsible for security at the plant since safety measures were increased after the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks.

Critics say the provincial government should think twice about investing in the nuclear plant given the latest concerns over safety and security in the area.

"In practical terms you can't protect these installations from terrorist attacks. We should recognize that and that should shape your decision making about whether or not you put money into nuclear power," NDP environment critic Peter Tabuns told CTV News on Thursday.

With a report from CTV's Paul Bliss