ADULT LEUKEMIA AND PROXIMITY-BASED SURROGATES FOR EXPOSURE TO PILGRIMPLANTS NUCLEAR-EMISSIONS

Possible associations between adult leukemia incidence and proximity-b ased surrogate measures of potential for exposure to radioactive emiss ions from the Pilgrim nuclear power plant in Plymouth, Massachusetts, were investigated. Included in this study were 105 nonchronic lymphocy tic leukemia cases, diagnosed between 1978 and 1986 at age 13 y or old er, that occurred in 22 towns near Pilgrim; population controls number ed 208. Residence within 4 mi (6.4 km) of Pilgrim during ''high-emissi ons'' years was related to case-control status (adjusted odds ratio [O R] = 3.88, 95% confidence interval [95% CI] = 0.81-10.64). A high ''ex posure'' score (i.e., a value that accounted for downwind time) was al so related to case-control status (OR = 3.46, 95% CI = 1.50-7.96). Som e statistically significant dose-response trends were found. Cautious interpretation of associations is warranted in light of the low levels of reported emissions.