Book Review by Dr. Samuel S. Epstein
"With a wealth of backup data, Gould raises the critical and unanswered questions on the risks of breast cancer and other hazards of living near nuclear reactors. However controversial, we ignore Goulds's warning at our own peril."
So says Dr. Samuel S. Epstein, Professor of Environmental and Occupational Medicine, School of Public Health, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chairman, Cancer Prevention Coalition, Inc.
¥ Why has the breast cancer mortality rate for women in the 14 counties with the longest history of nuclear reactors quintupled - while the national rate only doubled?
¥ Why are so many babies within 100 miles of a nuclear reactor - one-third of all counties in the United States - born premature and underweight?
¥ How is proximity to nuclear counties related to AIDS and other immune deficiencies?
Analyzing official data from the National Cancer Institute, state health departments, and the Center for Disease Control, Jay Gould explores the relationship between health risks and nuclear fallout. He discovers astonishing and horrifying evidence that residents of counties within 100 miles of a nuclear reactor are much more likely to be afflicted with health problems such as breast cancer and immune disorders. His solution - a ban on the operation of nuclear power stations, nuclear manufacturing, and nuclear bomb testing - may seem controversial, but after reading this book it will be the inescapable conclusion.
The Enemy Within poses provocative and politically sensitive questions about the connections between health disorders, nuclear fallout, and industrial pollution. At a time when both environmental and consumer protection legislation is under attack, Gould's book is a potent and alarming reminder of the necessity of continued vigilance and skepticism in the face of the government's and industry's reassurances concerning the dangers of nuclear power.
Jay M. Gould received his Ph.D from Columbia University and is a former member of the EPA Science Advisory Board. He is the author of five books including Deadly Deceit: Low Level Radiation, High Level Cover-Up and The Quality of Life in Residential Neighborhoods.
(Book Review provided by Four Walls Eight Windows, 39 W. 14th St., Rm. 503, New York, NY 10011.)
Copyright Mendocino Environmental Center 1996
Permission granted to excerpt or use this article if source is cited