Cancer Risk Near Nuclear Power Plants: A New Nationwide Study

U.S. Counties located closer to operational nuclear power plants (NPPs) have higher rates of cancer mortality than those farther away, according to a recent study led by Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health. Published in Nature Communications on February 23, 2026, this research marks the first comprehensive assessment of its kind in the 21st century, analyzing all NPPs and every U.S. County.

First-of-its-Kind National Assessment

The study’s findings, while not establishing a direct causal link, underscore the necessitate for further investigation into the potential health impacts of nuclear power, particularly as the technology is increasingly discussed as a solution to climate change. Previous research in the U.S. Has been limited, often focusing on single NPPs and their immediate surrounding communities. This new study expands the evidence base by utilizing a “continuous proximity” approach.

How the Study Was Conducted

Researchers employed advanced statistical modeling to capture the cumulative impact of all nearby NPPs, rather than isolating the effect of a single plant. Data on NPP locations and operational dates were sourced from the U.S. Energy Information Administration, while county-level cancer mortality data came from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The analysis accounted for potential confounding factors such as educational attainment, median household income, racial composition, temperature, humidity, smoking prevalence, BMI, and access to healthcare.

Key Findings: Increased Cancer Mortality

The study revealed that U.S. Counties closer to NPPs experienced elevated cancer mortality rates, even after adjusting for socioeconomic, environmental, and healthcare variables. Researchers estimate that approximately 115,000 cancer deaths across the U.S. Between 2000 and 2018 (roughly 6,400 deaths per year) may be attributable to proximity to NPPs. The association was most pronounced among older adults.

Expert Commentary

“Our study suggests that living near a NPP may carry a measurable cancer risk—one that lessens with distance,” said Petros Koutrakis, senior author and Akira Yamaguchi Professor of Environmental Health and Human Habitation at Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health. He recommends further studies to address the health impacts of NPPs, especially given the renewed interest in nuclear power as a clean energy source.

Consistency with Previous Research

The findings align with a similar study conducted by the same research team in Massachusetts, which also identified elevated cancer incidence among populations living closer to NPPs. ScienceDaily reports that even after accounting for factors like income, education, smoking, obesity, environmental conditions, and access to health care, higher cancer mortality persisted in communities near nuclear plants.

Study Limitations

The researchers acknowledge certain limitations, including the lack of direct radiation measurements. The study assumed equal impact from all NPPs, which may not fully reflect the varying characteristics of different facilities. Further research is needed to explore specific exposure pathways, latency effects, and cancer-specific risks.

Looking Ahead

This study provides valuable data for ongoing discussions about the role of nuclear power in a low-carbon future. While the results do not prove causation, they highlight the importance of continued research to fully understand the potential health implications of living near NPPs and to inform public health policies.