The McClatchy Irradiated Report - Bad Science, Bad Journalism

Uranium (Nuclear Minerals) / Related Environmental Issues / Environmental Impact - Cases, Nuclear Wastes (Used Fuel)

Date posted: 12/21/15

Dr. Conca reports that recently the McClatchy newspaper chain published a sensational report that suggested over 30,000 nuclear workers at weapons facilities across the United States died from radiation-induced cancer when, in fact, it is impossible to show that even a dozen did. Over 50,000 workers who worked at U.S. weapons sites over a period of about 40 years have received monetary compensation if they got cancer, regardless of whether the cancer was caused by radiation or not. However, authors Hotakainen, Wise, Matt and Ehlinger of this report decided that if someone received a payment that meant their cancer was caused by radiation. Which is nonsense. These payments were made without any relationship between the cancer and the radiation exposure of each recipient. This was a program to help our Cold Warriors who got cancer for any reason, most of which had nothing to do with their workplace. It is well documented that nuclear and radworkers have little or no increased cancers or mortality relative to the general population. Documented radiation doses for almost all nuclear workers have been close to the natural background levels that all people on earth are exposed to. There simply has never been enough dose to enough workers to cause any but a relatively small number of cancers over the expected number in the general population. In this report, the McClatchy authors played on the emotions and sorrows of people going through heartbreaking end-of-life illnesses to create fear and outrage, and obfuscate scientific data pertaining to biological effects of radiation. They also suggested that nuclear and radiological safety scientists are unethical. My colleagues in the scientific community are appalled at this report. Having worked as a scientist at many of these weapons sites over the last 30 years and witnessed the dedication and sacrifice of so many people, I am, too.