Analysis of Cancer Risks in Populations Near Nuclear Facilities

In the late 1980s, the National Cancer Institute initiated an investigation of cancer risks in populations near 52 commercial nuclear power plants and 10 Department of Energy nuclear facilities (including research and nuclear weapons production facilities and one reprocessing plant) in the United States. The results of the NCI investigation were used a primary resource for communicating with the public about the cancer risks near the nuclear facilities. However, this study is now over 20 years old. The U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission requested that the National Academy of Sciences provide an updated assessment of cancer risks in populations near USNRC-licensed nuclear facilities that utilize or process uranium for the production of electricity. Analysis of Cancer Risks in Populations near Nuclear Facilities: Phase 1 focuses on identifying scientifically sound approaches for carrying out an assessment of cancer risks associated with living near a nuclear facility, judgments about the strengths and weaknesses of various statistical power, ability to assess potential confounding factors, possible biases, and required effort. The results from this Phase 1 study will be used to inform the design of cancer risk assessment, which will be carried out in Phase 2. This report is beneficial for the general public, communities near nuclear facilities, stakeholders, healthcare providers, policy makers, state and local officials, community leaders, and the media. Table of Contents Front Matter Summary 1 Introduction 2 Effluent Releases from Nuclear Power Plants and Fuel-Cycle Facilities 3 Radiation Dose Assessment 4 Epidemiologic Studies 5 Risk Communication and Public Engagement Appendixes Appendix A: Radiation as a Carcinogen Appendix B: Biographical Sketches of Committee and Staff Appendix C: Presentations and Visits Appendix D: Origin of Radioactivity in Nuclear Plants Appendix E: Origin of Radioactivity in Fuel-Cycle Facilities Appendix F: Regulation of Effluent Releases Appendix G: Radiological Effluent Technical Specifications (RETS) Appendix H: Radiological Environmental Monitoring Program (REMP) Appendix I: Radiation Dose Assessment Appendix J: Modeling Incidence and Mortality Data in an Ecologic Study Appendix K: Letter Template to State Cancer Registries Appendix L: Letter Template to State Vital Statistics Offices Appendix M: Letter Template to Departments of Public Health Appendix N: Glossary Appendix O: Acronyms