The Radiation and Public Health Project has collected baby measured concentrations of strontium-90 (in relation to calcium)in baby teeth in several U.S. areas near nuclear reactors, the first in vivo study of radiation in 20 years. Sr-90 concentrations in Suffolk County, New York for 299 persons born in the 1980s and early 1990s were similar to those found for persons born in the mid-1950s, when the U.S. was engaged in large-scale nuclear weapons testing in the atmosphere. Suffolk Sr-90 concentrations show no tendency to rise or fall since 1980. Rises in Sr-90 concentrations in baby teeth are followed three years later by an increase in cancer incidence age 0-4. Likewise, declines in Sr-90 are followed by decreases in cancer 0-4. Sr-90, with its long half-life of 28.7 years, is an accurate measure of radiation exposure, not influenced by race, income, occupation, smoking or lifestyle. Sr-90 follows the route of calcium and is taken up in bones and teeth. The results indicate that in vivo radiation may be a factor in recent rises in childhood cancer.
Learning Objectives: At the conclusion of the session, the participant (learner) in this session will be able to: 1. Learn of the preliminary results of the first analysis of in vivo measurements of radioactivity in the U.S. population in 20 years. 2. Understand that levels of radioactive strontium-90 in teeth of children living near nuclear reactors born in the 1980s and 1990s are similar to those children born in the mid-1950s, the period of atmospheric nuclear weapons testing in Nevada. 3. Understand that changes in strontium-90 concentrations in teeth are correlated with changes in cancer incidence age 0-4 in Suffolk County, New York
Keywords: , Radiation
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: None
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.