More detail on this: "In the no-bleed architecture, electrically driven compressors provide the cabin pressurization function, with fresh air brought onboard via dedicated cabin air inlets." http://www.boeing.com/commercial/aeromagazine/articles/qtr_4...
Say what you will about the 787 but it has brought a number of innovations to aircraft that will probably live on eventually in future models.
Also, I don't know if I've ever experienced a "1 in 1000 fume event" that the article mentions, but I know that about half the time the pilots start the engines on the ground, I can smell the half-burnt jet A in the cabin. It seems to happen on smaller/older aircraft more often.
Then again, the relative harm of all that vs. the high altitude radiation is very unclear.
Sounds like you've got a somewhat negative view of the 787; I'd love to hear more. I haven't read much in the way of 787 reviews, but my experience as a passenger on them have been great thus far.