National analysis of cancer mortality and proximity to nuclear power plants in the United States.

ABSTRACT: Understanding the potential health implications of living near nuclear power plants is important given the renewed interest in nuclear energy as a low-carbon power source. Here we show that U.S. counties located closer to operational nuclear power plants have higher cancer mortality rates than those farther away. Using nationwide mortality data from 2000-2018, we assess long-term spatial patterns of cancer mortality in relation to proximity to nuclear facilities while accounting for socioeconomic, demographic, behavioral, environmental, and healthcare factors. Cancer mortality is higher across multiple age groups in both males and females, with the strongest associations among older adults, males aged 65-74 and females aged 55-64. While our findings cannot establish causality, they highlig

SUBMITTER: Alwadi Y 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12929679 | biostudies-literature | 2026 Feb

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature