Are nuclear ships environmentally safer than conventionally powered ships
An epidemiologic analysis was conducted to determine if risk of hospitalization varied by age, ship type, or occupation between nuclear and conventional powered ship crews in the U.S. Navy. Study cohorts consisted of all male enlisted personnel who served exclusively aboard conventional or nuclear powered aircraft carriers and cruisers during the years 1975-1979; cases were those men hospitalized during this period (N = 48,242). Conventional ship personnel showed significantly elevated rates of injury and disease when compared to nuclear ship personnel. The largest relative risks by age occurred for conventional ship crewmen less than 30 years old. Seaman, logistics (supply), and healthcare personnel serving aboard conventional ships comprised the occupational groups exhibiting the highest hospitalization rate differentials. The results strongly suggest that nuclear ships provide a healthier, safer working and living environment than conventional ships.
- Research Organization:
- Univ. of Washington School of Medicine (US)
- OSTI ID:
- 7161235
- Journal Information:
- J. Environ. Health; (United States), Vol. 50:5
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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29 ENERGY PLANNING
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MEN
BIOLOGICAL RADIATION EFFECTS
NUCLEAR SHIPS
ENVIRONMENTAL EFFECTS
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RADIOISOTOPES
RADIATION HAZARDS
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