Illinois holds many ties to the nuclear industry: the state has more nuclear reactors than any other single state in the nation, and the nuclear age began in Chicago. This nuclear proliferation poses a continuing threat to the health of Illinois residents. For example, the power company Exelon owns two nuclear reactors in Grundy County, which has also seen escalating cancer rates, cancer deaths, and infant mortality in recent years. Nuclear reality impacts peace efforts as well, via the use of depeleted uranium in military weaponry. Illinois activists organized a Nuclear Reality conference, and are organizing efforts about the Chernobyl disaster.

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