Examining the link between leukaemia and nuclear sites

The latest report of the Committee on Medical Aspects of Radiation in the Environment (COMARE) shows that during 1968-84, six young people living within 25km of the Dounreay nuclear reactor developed leukaemia-twice the expected number. Whilst COMARE does not expressly cite radiation from the plant as the cause of the excess, it feels that further research in the actual causes should be carried out. In the light of this Health and Safety at Work gives the opportunity to Dr A. White of the Central Electricity Generating Board to comment on the recent findings of increased levels of leukaemia around certain nuclear installations. (author)