National Cancer Institute's Responses to Vermonters' Questions About Study of Radioactive Fallout from Nuclear Tests
In August 1997, the
National Cancer Institute
(NCI) released a study estimating the fallout exposure of Americans to radioactive Iodine-131 (I-131) from the ninety above ground nuclear bomb tests conducted at the Nevada Test Site in the 1950s and 1960s. A map accompanying the report showing county-by-county estimates of average radiation doses to the thyroid of persons living during the testing period shows high exposure rates in Vermont. NCI researchers say this is due to relatively greater dependence at that time of many Vermont families on milk from their own dairy cows, which had ingested radiation while feeding in open fields. I was very concerned about the possible link between exposure to I-131 and thyroid cancer.
In October 1997, I began collecting questions from concerned Vermonters to forward to the NCI. People from throughout the state contacted my office with many questions and comments, including stories of their own experiences with thyroid cancer and other thyroid problems, how the NCI conducted its study, whether there is a link between I-131 and cancer in parts of the body other than the thyroid, and if there is still risk of exposure.
I am pleased that the NCI has responded to the questions raised by Vermonters, and these answers are now available here on my website. For many of the responses, the NCI has also included directions about where to look on its website for more detailed information. The NCI website can be accessed directly through a hot link on my website.
I hope that you find the information provided by the NCI useful. If you have any additional questions, please feel free to contact me.
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