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ANS webinar looks at radiation studies and living near nuclear plants
In February, a study published in Nature Communications found a correlation between proximity to nuclear power plants and rates of cancer mortality. While the authors acknowledged that causation could not be established, they nonetheless said that calculations supported evidence of 115,586 “cancer deaths attributable to nuclear power plants proximity.”
On its release, this study garnered significant media attention—sparking worry among the public and immediate pushback from radiation experts. ANS recently hosted a webinar taking a deeper look at what that study (and other similar proximity studies) got wrong, the science behind what we do and do not know, and why these conversations matter.
Educational Session|Panel|Sponsored by Alternate Revenue Streams
Wednesday, August 11, 2021|8:30–10:00AM EDT |Calusa 4-5
Track Organizers:
Ken Thomas (INL)
Ken Lowery (Southern Company)
Knowledge Manager:
Maxwell Daniels (Mission Support and Test Services)
Student Intern:
Matthew Hageman (Oregon State Univ.)
This session will present the option for domestic production of Cobalt-60 isotopes. Initiatives include the following: (1) Cobalt 60 growing market in need of new supply – Aging populations and increased access to medicine globally has given rise to increased demand for Gamma sterilization. Current Cobalt-60 production capacity will need to be replaced over time as reactors reach end of life. (2) A novel production technology for Cobalt-60 – Westinghouse is developing technology for the irradiation and harvesting Cobalt-60 in PWRs. The goal is to establish a scalable source of Cobalt-60 from US PWRs. (3) PSEGs vision is people providing safe, reliable, economic, and greener energy. Cobalt-60 production brings value to the utility and aligns with their vision and values.
Richard Wiens
Nordion
Jim Boyle
Westinghouse
Jim Stavely
PSEG
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Session Notes