Study reveals cancer link in nuclear industry

Workers in the nuclear industry have an increased risk of contracting cancer through exposure to radiation, despite employers' consistent denials.

A study by the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC), part of the World Health Organisation, concluded that exposure to a low level of ionising radiation is linked to a small increase in a workers' cancer risk.

Covering over 400,000 workers in 15 countries including the UK, the 13-year study - the largest ever carried out in the nuclear industry - involved tracking workers engaged in research, waste management and the production of nuclear power, fuel, isotopes or weapons.

The study group suffered 196 deaths from leukaemia and 6,519 deaths from other cancers. Researchers said this suggested that between 1% and 2% of deaths from cancer among the workers may have been attributable to radiation - but added that the study covered people who worked in the early years of the industry, when doses tended to be higher than they are today.

IARC director Peter Boyle said that the results "provide the most precise and comprehensive direct estimates of cancer risk after protracted exposure to low doses of ionising radiation... yet provide reassurance concerning the likely impact of ionising radiation on the global cancer burden". He added that the study has strengthened the scientific basis of standards that limit workers' exposure to radiation.

A briefing on the study is available at www.iarc.fr/ENG/Units/RCAa1.html