Reactor cancer study has potential for conflict

In a press release issued today, Beyond Nuclear identified significant potential for conflict of interest in a proposed new study of cancer around U.S. nuclear reactors. The study, initiated by the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC), has been offered to the National Academy of Sciences (NAS). However, the chair of the NAS board that would conduct the study is former NRC chair, Richard Meserve. Furthermore, past NAS studies have raised concerns about absence of bias.  The two agencies will meet to discuss the study on April 26th, ironically the 24th anniversary of the 1986 Chernobyl reactor explosion that dispersed radiation across the planet. Although the study may be awarded to the NAS, Beyond Nuclear has concerns that the NRC - with a demonstrated bias toward industry priorities - will retain undue influence.