The following is excerpted from our press release sent today:
"The National Academy of Sciences (NAS) released a report yesterday, suggesting what methods should be used to examine radiation exposure risks around nuclear facilities licensed by the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC).
The report, Analysis of Cancer Risks in Populations near Nuclear Facilities: Phase 1, recognizing shortcomings of prior epidemiological studies, has recommended two methods to be conducted where available data exists. One method would provide a “broad investigation of both cancer incidence and mortality over the operational histories of nuclear facilities” and the other would attempt to provide a more focused assessment of cancer risk from exposure in early life during more recent operating periods.
The specific pilot sites recommended include nuclear facilities in Dresden, IL; Haddam Neck and Millstone, CT; Oyster Creek, NJ; Big Rock Point, MI; San Onofre, CA. All of these are nuclear power facilities. The final site, Nuclear Fuel Services in TN, is a fuel fabrication facility that creates the uranium fuel for nuclear power reactors." See our complete press release.
Beyond Nuclear will be providing comments during the 60 day comment period which starts April 1, 2012. We encourage others to submit comments to NAS as well. Email comments to crs@nas.edu or fax to 202-334-3077.