Massive US study finds higher cancer death rates near nuclear power plants
Science Daily
February 24, 2026
AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary
A groundbreaking nationwide study has uncovered a concerning trend: U.S. counties closer to operating nuclear power plants exhibit higher cancer death rates compared to those farther away. Analyzing data from 2000 to 2018, researchers found that even after accounting for factors like income, education, smoking, obesity, environmental conditions, and access to healthcare, communities near nuclear facilities still experienced elevated cancer mortality rates, particularly among older adults. This study raises critical questions about the potential health risks associated with proximity to nuclear power plants.
The research, which examined every nuclear facility in the U.S. and data from all counties, aimed
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Originally published on Science Daily on 2/24/2026