# National analysis of cancer mortality and proximity to nuclear power plants in the United States

## TL;DR

This study finds that U.S. counties near nuclear power plants have higher cancer mortality rates, especially among older adults, though causality cannot be confirmed.

## Contribution

The study provides new evidence linking proximity to nuclear power plants with increased cancer mortality in the U.S.

## Key findings

- Cancer mortality is higher in counties closer to nuclear power plants.
- Strongest associations are observed in older adults and specific age groups.
- Findings suggest the need for further research on exposure pathways and cancer risks.

## Abstract

Understanding the potential health implications of living near nuclear power plants is important given the renewed interest in nuclear energy as a low-carbon power source. Here we show that U.S. counties located closer to operational nuclear power plants have higher cancer mortality rates than those farther away. Using nationwide mortality data from 2000-2018, we assess long-term spatial patterns of cancer mortality in relation to proximity to nuclear facilities while accounting for socioeconomic, demographic, behavioral, environmental, and healthcare factors. Cancer mortality is higher across multiple age groups in both males and females, with the strongest associations among older adults, males aged 65–74 and females aged 55–64. While our findings cannot establish causality, they highlight the need for further research into potential exposure pathways, latency effects, and cancer-specific risks, emphasizing the importance of addressing these potentially substantial but overlooked risks to public health.

‘Populations residing near nuclear power plants may experience low-level chronic exposure to ionizing radiation through environmental release pathways. In here the authors find higher cancer mortality rates in U.S. counties closer to operational nuclear power plants, with the strongest relative risks observed in older adults.’