Health campaigners were furious that an investigation into breast cancer clusters on Long Island (US) would specifically ignore any possible link with the nuclear reactors on and around the island. There was no scientific argument for their exclusion.

The reason may be linked to a curious agreement forged between the World Health Organisation (WHO) and the UN International Atomic Energy Authority (IAEA). It states, “Whenever either organisation proposes to initiate a programme or activity on a subject in which the other organisation has or may have a substantial interest, the first party shall consult the other with a view to adjusting the matter”. In other words, the WHO cannot conduct research into the health implications of the nuclear industry unless the project is approved by the IAEA. Before the results of any approved research can be published they must be cleared (and possibly “adjusted”) by the IAEA.