Leukämiecluster Elbmarsch

The Elbmarsch area near Hamburg is a region where childhood leukemia cases occurred in higher than expected numbers between 1990 and 2003. The affected zone sits close to nuclear power facilities and covers a relatively small geographic space.

The first cases appeared in 1990 and alarmed experts due to the unexpected concentration in one location. Scientific investigations and official assessments followed in subsequent years as authorities examined possible causes of this clustering.

Multiple expert commissions and scientific studies have examined this medical phenomenon, leading to extensive public health discussions in northern Germany.

The area remains under health authority surveillance with environmental monitoring data available to the public. Before visiting, check for current information about local monitoring programs and the latest scientific findings regarding the region.

The concentration of cases in this region represented one of the highest recorded rates globally for a confined area. This unusually high occurrence made the zone a focal point for international medical and epidemiological research.

Location: Elbmarsch

GPS coordinates: 53.40440,10.41500

Latest update: December 7, 2025 19:25