Adrenal Cortical Response to Stress at Three Mile Island

Abstract

This study examined the relationship between biochemical, psychological and behavioral components of chronic stress associated with living near the damaged nuclear power plant at Three Mile Island (TMI). Relative to control subjects, TMI subjects had higher levels of urinary cortisol, which correlated significantly with urinary catecholamines, self-report of physical and mental symptoms and decrements in task performance. It was found that males had higher urinary cortisol levels than females at TMI, while at the control sites, levels of cortisol were comparable between males and females. No significant relationship between coping style and urinary cortisol was detected. Levels of stress response among TMI area residents, though significantly greater than control subjects, were within normal ranges and thus should be considered subclinical in intensity. Their persistence over 17 mo., however, suggests some cause for concern.