“On February 16, 2000 , the Indian Point Unit 2 reactor experienced a Level 2 (4 being the most severe) accident, necessitating the shutdown of the unit for the next year. Consolidated Edison and the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission stated that the accident caused minimal levels of radiation to escape into the environment; that the exact level of emissions was unknown; and that these emissions did not threaten local public health.
As these three statements seem presumptive and contradictory, a review of the vital statistics collected by public health departments may add information on whether or not local health was harmed. Because the human body is most vulnerable to hazardous effects of radiation exposure during pregnancy, an examination of two fetal health indicators is appropriate. These indicators are
- Neonatal mortality (rate of live births dying before age 28 days)
- Premature births (rate of live births with a gestation period under 36 weeks)
For both of these measures, the 2000 rate jumped in Westchester and the Bronx – and not for any other nearby county. Rates declined in the rest of New York State and the U.S. Increases for Westchester were higher than those for the Bronx . The increase for neonatal mortality was of borderline statistical significance, and was significant for premature births. Local rates for both fell in 2001.
Because these two counties are closest to Indian Point; and because they lie to the southeast (prevailing local winds in February are from the northwest), consideration should be given to the role of Indian Point harming public health, during the 2000 accident and in general.
Change in Neonatal Mortality Rate
Bronx and Westchester Counties , 1999 vs. 2000
Deaths < 28 Days Live Births Deaths/1000
Area 1999 2000 1999 2000 1999 2000 % Ch
Bronx 100 119 22453 22747 4.45 5.23 +17.4
Westchester 37 49 12551 13032 2.95 3.76 +27.5
Total 137 168 35004 35779 3.91 4.70 +20.0 (p<.07)
Other NYS 1005 1010 220608 222958 4.56 4.53 – 0.6
U.S. 18728 18776 3959417 4058814 4.73 4.63 – 2.2
Source: National Center for Health Statistics , U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Available at http://wonder.cdc.gov, underlying cause of death.
Change in Prematurity Rate
Bronx and Westchester Counties , 1999 vs. 2000
<36 weeks gest. Live Births* % Premature
Area 1999 2000 1999 2000 1999 2000 % Ch
Bronx 1575 1623 21742 22089 7.24 7.35 + 1.5
Westchester 633 751 11949 12426 5.30 6.04 +14.1 (p<.01)
Total 2208 2374 33691 34515 6.55 6.88 + 5.0 (p<.04)
Other NYS 12317 12140 211818 214063 5.82 5.67 – 2.5
U.S. 239308 242128 3796233 3890533 6.30 6.22 – 1.3
* only births with known gestation
Source: National Center for Health Statistics , U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Available at http://wonder.cdc.gov, natality.”
