Report: Highest Rate of Thyroid Cancer in Counties Near Indian Point

NEW YORK (1010 WINS)  -- The rate of thyroid cancer cases in counties closest to the Indian Point nuclear plant 35 miles north of midtown Manhattan are the highest in New York State, and among the highest in the U.S., according to a scientific journal article released today.


Al Jones Reports

According to the article in the International Journal of Health Services, new data shows an epidemic of thyroid cancer in counties closest to the indian point nuclear power plant. The 2001-2005 thyroid cancer rate for the four counties surrounding Indian Point -- Orange, Putnam, Rockland, and Westchester -- was 66% above the U.S. average, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. 

Local rates were not elevated in the late 1970s, when the two Indian Point reactors began operating, but have sharply increased since, according to the report.

The report says Radioactive Iodine is one of many chemicals routinely and accidentally released into the air by reactors at the plant.

"High thyroid cancer rates near Indian Point represents an epidemic, and is a significant public health concern," says Joseph Mangano MPH MBA.  "The only major known cause of the disease is exposure to radioactive iodine, which is emitted into the air by nuclear plants."  Mangano, Executive Director of the Radiation and Public Health Project research group, published the article in the International Journal of Health Services.

Jim Steets is a spokesman for Entergy Nuclear, the company that operates Indian Point says the science in this new report is faulty, and that Indian Point does not produce the types of isotopes that would lead to such issues.

The U.S. thyroid cancer rate has nearly tripled since 1980, the sharpest rise of any cancer (along with liver).  Over 37,000 Americans are diagnosed with the disease each year.

The 40-year licenses for the two Indian Point reactors will soon expire.  Entergy Nuclear has requested that federal regulators grant a 20 year license extension, but numerous parties, including Attorney General Andrew Cuomo, are opposing this extension.