nuclear-news

Pilot study of cancer rates near nuclear sites

Oyster Creek plant part of new study examining cancer risks near nuclear sites NJ.com 29 Sept 13,A pilot study of cancer risks in people living near six nuclear power plants across the United States will include Oyster Creek in Ocean County, the nation’s oldest nuclear plant.

The U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission said Monday that the pilot study will examine multiple cancer types in populations of all ages living near the sites, and will study cancers in children born near the sites…… The National Academy of Sciences, which is conducting the study, said the sites provided a good sampling of facilities with different operating histories and population sizes. It would not say whether the locations were chosen because of their cancer rates.

The study aims to update and improve information on potential cancer risks around nuclear sites provided 23 years ago in a National Cancer Institute report sponsored by the U.S. National Institutes of Health…….

In addition to Oyster Creek, two other working power plants will be studied. They are: Dresden Nuclear Power Station in Illinois and Millstone Power Station in Waterford, Conn. There will also be two decommissioned plants: Haddam Neck in Haddam Neck, Conn., and Big Rock Point Nuclear Power Plant in Michigan.

The San Onofre Nuclear Generating Station in San Clemente, Calif., which sits near fault lines and has been permanently shut, is also included.

The pilot effort will also study a nuclear fuel-cycle facility in Tennessee, which produces nuclear fuel containing both high-enriched and low-enriched uranium. It is undergoing partial decommissioning.

The NRC-sponsored study is estimated to take two to three years, said Neil Sheehan, a spokesman.

Study results will be reviewed and a decision made on whether it should be expanded to additional facilities. Information will be available in the coming months at the National Acadamy of Sciences website. http://www.nj.com/business/index.ssf/2013/09/oyster_creek_nuclear_plant_par.html

September 30, 2013 - Posted by Christina Macpherson | health, USA