Recent studies that have produced more definitive evidence indicating rising incidences of childhood leukemia in the vicinity of nuclear power plants. Since the 1980s, a number of studies have been conducted. Three separate studies were carried out at Windscale/Sellafield, Dounreay and Burghfield in the UK. All showed increased cases of leukemia in children living near the plants. Some studies were also done in Germany later with similar results. The authorities stated that the leukemias could not be from radiation exposure as the doses from the nuclear plants were too low to cause the increase.
Lately, a meta-analysis of research papers carried out by the Medical University of South Carolina looked at 136 nuclear sites in Canada, the U.S., UK, France, Germany and Japan. It showed that children under nine years of age living near nuclear power plants had an increase of cases from 14 to 21% with a mortality figure increase to from 5 to 24% depending on their proximity to a nuclear power plant.1
A German study found 14 cases in children living within 5 km. of the Krummel nuclear power plant near Hamburg between 1990 and 2005 instead of the expected number of four. This was described as the largest leukemia cluster near a nuclear power plant anywhere in the world.2 As a result of this study, an investigation was conducted for the German Environment Minister of all nuclear power station locations during the period between 1980 and 1990. As a result, the German population was informed by the Ministry of the Environment that, within a 15 km. zone around nuclear power stations, there was no increase in cancer and leukemia! However, a study conducted under the control of the Leukemia Commission of Schleswig-Holstein (who were active from 1992 to 2004) resulted in the following findings:
In the up to 5 km. zone, the number of leukemia cases was significantly higher in children under 4 years. In the 5 to 10 km. range, there were fewer cases and even fewer in the 10 to 15 km. range. Epidemiologically, such a trend dependent on the distance is considered a clear indication that there is a connection with an emitter of pollutants in the centre of the area.
If the significant numbers of cases of leukemia are diluted by the inclusion of the 15 km. zone, then the resulting figures might very well be reported as having no effect as happened in the German MOE results. It is a well-established radiological fact that the dose causing the induction of leukemia in children is the smaller the younger they are.
In December 2007 it was announced by the new head, Frau Prof. Blettner of the Mainz Cancer Registry, their study confirms that, in Germany, a relationship is observable between the proximity of the home to the nearest nuclear power plant at the time of diagnosis and the risk of contracting cancer (respectively, leukemia) before the child’s fifth birthday.” They also determined that even at 50 km. the childhood cancer figures had still not reached normally expected numbers.3 One cannot help but speculate how long will it take, how many more studies need to be done before the realization hits home that we are harming our children’s health and that of future generations for the sake of a polluting industry.
Epidemiological studies carried out independent of government or industry such as Health 2000 developed by Dr. Bertell will not only meet international standards, but produce the right scientific answers.
I believe we have enough evidence of harm already. No more studies, but action is what is needed.
April 6, 2009
References:
1 European Journal of Cancer Care, vol.16, p.355
2 Environmental Health Perspectives, vol. 115, p.941
3 http://www.bfs.de/bfs/druck/Ufoplan/4334_KiKK_Teil1_T.pdf