Living Near a Nuclear Power Plant May Raise Cancer Risk

Key Findings

• Higher Mortality Near Plants: Residents living within a few miles of nuclear power plants showed noticeably higher cancer death rates.
• Age‑Related Risk: The risk escalated with age, peaking in the 60s and 70s for both men and women.
• Statistical Approach: Researchers used advanced models that considered the combined effect of all nearby reactors, not just single sites.
• Estimated Impact: Approximately 6,400 deaths per year could be linked to proximity, totaling about 115,000 excess deaths over the study period (2000‑2018).

Limitations & Future Work

• No Causal Proof: The study tracks distance, not actual radiation levels or other environmental factors.
• Call for More Research: Authors emphasize the need for deeper investigations into nuclear energy’s health implications, especially as it is promoted as a low‑carbon option.

These findings underscore the importance of examining how living close to nuclear facilities might influence public health outcomes.