March 2000, Volume 2, Issue 1, Pages 32 - 36

Article

Improvements in local infant health after nuclear power reactor closing JOSEPH J. MANGANO Radiation and Public Health Project, 786 Carroll Street, #9, Brooklyn, New York     Correspondence to: JOSEPH J. MANGANO, Radiation and Public Health Project, 786 Carroll Street, #9, Brooklyn, NY 11215. Tel.: (718)857-9825. Fax: (718)857-4986.

Keywords

cancer;   infant health;   infant mortality;   nuclear reactors;   radiation

Abstract

Between 1987 and 1998, operations ceased at 12 U.S. nuclear power reactors. One of these, Rancho Seco, is located in a densely populated area. After the reactor closed in 1989, significant decreases in mortality (all causes and from congenital anomalies) and cancer incidence were observed for fetuses, infants, and small children. These trends contrast with a worsening of infant health status after the plant opened in 1974. The data suggest that a relationship between nuclear emissions and adverse health effects exists, especially since fetuses and newborns are most sensitive to radiation. Because Rancho Seco released low levels of radionuclides into the local environment, the issue of health effects of prolonged, low-dose radiation exposure is raised. The matter becomes increasingly important as operators of several dozen aging U.S. reactors must soon decide whether to extend their operating licenses. Environmental Epidemiology and Toxicology (2000) 2, 32-36.

^© Macmillan Publishers Ltd 2000