Changes in Congenital Anomaly Incidence in West Coast and Pacific States (USA) after Arrival of Fukushima Fallout

摘要: Radioactive fallout after the March 2011 Fukushima nuclear meltdown entered U.S. environment within days; levels of radioactivity were particularly elevated in five western states bordering on Pacific Ocean. The particular sensitivity fetus to radiation exposure, and ability radioisotopes attach cells, tissues, DNA raise question whether fetuses/newborns with birth defects greater exposures suffered harm during period meltdown. We compare rates congenital anomalies for 2010 births from April-November. increase 13.00% is significantly than 3.77% decrease all other combined (CI 0.030 - 0.205, p < 0.008). Consistent patterns increases are observed west (20 21 comparisons, 6 which statistically significant/borderline significant), by state, type defect, month birth, conception. While these relatively uncommon (about 7500 cases per year U.S.), sometimes making statistical significance difficult achieve, consistency results lend strength analysis, suggest fetal may have occurred states.