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Tania Mangones, MD¹, Paul Visintainer, PhD², Cheryl Hunter-Grant, MSW¹, and Heather Brumberg, MD, MPH¹. (1) Division of Neonatology, Westchester Medical Center at NY Medical College, 95 Grasslands Rd, Valhalla, NY 10595, 9144938491, taniam1118@yahoo.com, (2) Epidemiology, NY Medical College, 95 Grasslands Rd, Valhalla, NY 10595

Background: Radiation leaks at Indian Point (IP) nuclear plant have raised public concerns as to the safety of nuclear plants and the potential consequences of exposure to ionizing radiation. Animal studies have shown increases in malformations with exposure to ionizing radiation, however, in humans the effects of chronic low dose ionizing radiation exposure are unclear. Objective: To determine whether proximity to a nuclear plant is associated with increased prevalence of certain congenital cancers, congenital anomalies, genetic syndromes, low birth weight (LBW), and prematurity. Methods: Vital Statistics and Congenital Malformations Registry databases from 1992-2001 analyzed for 5 counties of Hudson Valley (HV) from 20-mile radius of IP. Four 5-mile zones created based on zip codes reflected proximity to IP. Data included congenital leukemia, CNS neoplasms, congenital hypothyroidism, neural tube defects, cleft lip, cleft palate, microcephaly, abdominal wall defects, trisomies 13,18,21, LBW (<2500g) and prematurity (<37 wks). Results: Over the 10 year period 702 malformations in 666 children identified from a birth population of 328,124; yielding 2.1 malformations/1000 births in the HV. This rate was lower than NYS 5.9 malformations/1000 births [Standarized rate ratio=0.395, 95% CI 0.366-0.425]. The prevalence of defects, prematurity and LBW were not significantly related to proximity to the nuclear plant. Conclusions: Congenital malformations identified in the areas surrounding IP nuclear plant did not substantiate an association between proximity of the plant and the occurrence of birth defects. This study provides baseline population data for comparison of the occurrence of malformations in the event of a nuclear plant accident.

Learning Objectives:

• Assess risk of congenital cancers, congenital malformations, prematurity and low birth weight associated with proximity to nuclear power plant.
• Address public concerns raised regarding exposure to chronic low dose ionizing radiation through proximity to nuclear plant.

Keywords: Epidemiology, Radiation

Presenting author's disclosure statement:

Any relevant financial relationships? No