• For more than 30 years, a small group of scientists has claimed that low-level radiation can be linked to various forms of cancer and other ailments in populations living near nuclear power plants. The groups have attempted to use strontium-90, a substance easily traceable in the body, to show that radiation from nuclear power plants affects nearby residents.
• In November 2003, the Radiation and Public Health Project (RPHP) claimed that a new study found strontium-90 to be 34 percent higher in baby teeth of children born after 1979 in three Pennsylvania counties than in the rest of the state. They claim this is evidence that radiation from nearby nuclear plants caused an increase in cancer rates in certain communities.
• Scientifically-based reviews continually show these claims to be false. The claims of the “tooth fairy project” have not been supported by mainstream scientists, the majority of whom have accused RPHP of using “junk science” and manipulated data to support a pre-set agenda based on inciting fear in the public.
• Most strontium-90 in the environment was produced by nuclear weapons testing during the Cold War. The amount of strontium-90 actually emitted by nuclear plants is so low that it must be measured at the plant site in order to be detectable.
• After 30 years of allegations, none of the “tooth fairy project” claims has been substantiated by state and/or federal authorities. But during that time, the claims have been refuted or questioned by the National Institutes of Health (NIH), the National Cancer Institute, the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission, the American Cancer Society, and state and local health officials.

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