WESTCHESTER, N.Y. (WPIX) -
Residents living in counties in close proximity to the Indian Point nuclear power plant in Westchester have the highest cases for thyroid cancer, a startling new report revealed Monday.
According to the article published in the International Journal of Health Services, the rate of residents in the area diagnosed with the disease is the highest in New York State and among the highest in the United States.
The 2001-2005 rate for the four counties surrounding the plant - Orange, Putnam, Rockland and Westchester - was 66% above the U.S. Average, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
The rates of local residents with thyroid cancer have significantly increased since the late 1970s, when the two Indian point reactors were installed, the report revealed.
Radioactive Iodine is reportedly believed to be one of the many chemicals released into the air by reactors at the plant.
In the United States, the number of cases of thyroid cancer has nearly tripled since 1980. Over 37,000 people are diagnosed with the disease each year.
The 40-year licenses for the two Indian Point reactors are slated to expire soon. Energy Nuclear has reportedly requested that federal regulators grant a 20-year license extension, but many people, including Attorney General Andrew Cuomo, are opposing this extension.
According to the article published in the International Journal of Health Services, the rate of residents in the area diagnosed with the disease is the highest in New York State and among the highest in the United States.
The 2001-2005 rate for the four counties surrounding the plant - Orange, Putnam, Rockland and Westchester - was 66% above the U.S. Average, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
The rates of local residents with thyroid cancer have significantly increased since the late 1970s, when the two Indian point reactors were installed, the report revealed.
Radioactive Iodine is reportedly believed to be one of the many chemicals released into the air by reactors at the plant.
In the United States, the number of cases of thyroid cancer has nearly tripled since 1980. Over 37,000 people are diagnosed with the disease each year.
The 40-year licenses for the two Indian Point reactors are slated to expire soon. Energy Nuclear has reportedly requested that federal regulators grant a 20-year license extension, but many people, including Attorney General Andrew Cuomo, are opposing this extension.
