A peer-reviewed study titled "National analysis of cancer mortality and proximity to nuclear power plants in the United States" was recently released. The results of the study demonstrate that we need to think very seriously before we support the expansion of nuclear power.
In the study, the authors conclude (on page 2):
"In this work, we assess the association between county-level proximity to nuclear power plants and cancer mortality across the United States from 2000 to 2018. We find that counties located closer to operational nuclear power plants have higher cancer mortality rates, with stronger associations observed among older adults. These associations remain consistent across multiple sensitivity analyses and proximity definitions. The results highlight spatial patterns of cancer risk in relation to nuclear power generation and emphasize the importance of evaluating potential long-term health implications of nuclear energy infrastructure in population-scale studies."
In discussing their findings (on page 1), the authors said:
"Nuclear power plants emit radioactive pollutants that can disperse into the surrounding environment, leading to potential human exposure through inhalation, ingestion, and direct contact. These pollutants can be transported through air, water, and soil, contributing to long-term environmental contamination1. Populations residing near nuclear power plants may experience low-level chronic exposure to ionizing radiation via environmental release pathways. While our study does not include dosimetry, ionizing radiation is a well-established carcinogen2,3,4,5,6,7 and thus motivates investigation into proximity-based exposure patterns. Given these concerns, numerous studies have examined whether living near nuclear power plants is associated with an increased risk of cancer, but their findings have been inconsistent."
As stated above, this study finds a close association between high cancer mortality rates and proximity to nuclear power plants. The study further stated (on page 2):
"The results indicate a positive association between nuclear power plants proximity and cancer mortality, with the highest relative risk observed in the 55–64 age group for females and 10 years later (65–74) in males."
The study further notes (on page 4):
"Ionizing radiation is a well-established carcinogen, with extensive epidemiologic evidence linking radiation exposure to increased cancer risk6,7,27. Some of the strongest evidence comes from studies of nuclear disasters, where high-dose radiation exposure has been consistently associated with increased cancer incidence."
Citation for the study
Alwadi, Y., Alahmad, B., Vieira, C.L.Z. et al. National analysis of cancer mortality and proximity to nuclear power plants in the United States. Nat Commun 17, 1560 (2026). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41467-026-69285-4