Living Near a Nuclear Power Plant May Raise Cancer Risk

People who dwell close to nuclear facilities might face a higher chance of dying from cancer, according to new research that examined data across the United States. The study looked at cancer deaths recorded from 2000 to 2018 and linked them to how far residents lived from a nuclear plant, finding that those within a few miles of the plants had noticeably higher rates. The risk climbed as people aged, hitting its peak in their 60s and 70s for both men and women. The analysis used sophisticated statistical models that considered the combined effect of all nearby reactors, rather than focusing on a single site. Even after controlling for other possible factors, counties with closer proximity still showed elevated cancer mortality. The researchers estimated that about 6, 400 deaths each year could be associated with living near a nuclear power plant, adding up to roughly 115, 000 deaths over the study period.However, the authors cautioned that their work does not prove a direct causal link between reactors and cancer. The method only tracked distance, without measuring actual radiation levels or other environmental exposures. They urged further studies to explore the health implications of nuclear energy, especially as it is increasingly promoted as a low‑carbon alternative. These findings highlight the need for more detailed investigations into how nuclear power might affect public health, suggesting that distance from a plant could be an important factor in assessing risk.