Statement on Memoir		Environmental History		Closed Reactors		Health Studies

Statement on 'Shirley' Memoir

Kelly McMasters has published a book about growing up in Shirley, New York, in a neighborhood about 6 miles south of Brookhaven National Laboratory. “Welcome to Shirley, a Memoir from an Atomic Town” is based on McMasters’ memories, although the author does state in her introduction that she did extensive research. Unfortunately, the sections on Brookhaven Lab contain numerous inaccuracies.

McMasters includes in her book claims about cancer clusters and a rare childhood cancer, all blamed on Brookhaven Lab. Published reports by independent county and state agencies found no link between Brookhaven Lab and cancer.

The Laboratory acknowledges that its environmental stewardship in the past was very different from what it is today. During the last decade, Brookhaven has made great strides in cleaning up the environment and keeping it clean, and we work hard to be a good neighbor.

>> Read an analysis of the claims made in the 'Shirley' Memoir.

Last Modified: May 16, 2008

One of ten national laboratories overseen and primarily funded by the Office of Science of the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE), Brookhaven National Laboratory conducts research in the physical, biomedical, and environmental sciences, as well as in energy technologies and national security. Brookhaven Lab also builds and operates major scientific facilities available to university, industry and government researchers. Brookhaven is operated and managed for DOE’s Office of Science by Brookhaven Science Associates, a limited-liability company founded by Stony Brook University, the largest academic user of Laboratory facilities, and Battelle, a nonprofit, applied science and technology organization.

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