Harvard Study: Higher Cancer Rates Near Nuclear Power Plants

A new study led by a Greek Harvard professor reveals that residents living near nuclear power plants in the United States have higher cancer mortality rates.

The research, published in the journal 'Nature Communications', examined data from 2000 to 2018 and found that counties near nuclear power plants showed increased cancer mortality, even after accounting for socioeconomic and environmental factors.

Petros Koutrakis, Professor of Environmental Health at Harvard and lead author of the study, told APE-MPE that nuclear energy poses a significant risk to public health. The study estimates that approximately 115,000 cancer deaths in the US during the study period were linked to proximity to nuclear power plants.

An upcoming study by the same team identifies an increase in specific forms of cancer, such as lung, colon, and breast cancer.

The researchers emphasize that the findings highlight the need for further investigation into the health impacts of nuclear power plants, especially as nuclear energy is being promoted as a solution to climate change.