In the mid-20th century, the United States conducted numerous atmospheric and underground nuclear weapons tests, primarily in Nevada. While these tests were pivotal in the arms race during the Cold War, they had unintended, long-lasting consequences for the people living downwind of the test sites – particularly for the residents of Arizona.
Let’s take a closer look at the history of nuclear testing in Nevada, how it impacted Arizona, and what compensation is available for downwinders in Arizona.
History of Nuclear Testing in Nevada
The Nevada Test Site, established in December 1950 during Truman’s presidency, became the primary location for American nuclear testing. Between 1951 and 1992, a staggering 928 nuclear tests were conducted at the site.
These included both atmospheric and underground detonations. The main goal of these tests was to support national security during the Cold War.
However, the testing had far-reaching consequences beyond the immediate area. The fallout from the nuclear tests – radioactive particles carried by wind and rain – spread over large distances. This led to widespread exposure to radiation among people living downwind of the test site.
How Nuclear Testing Impacted Arizona
Arizona, situated to the southwest of the Nevada Test Site, bore the brunt of the fallout. Several counties in Arizona were directly affected by this nuclear fallout, including Apache, Coconino, Gila, Navajo, and Yavapai.
Radioactive Fallout
During the nuclear tests in Nevada, big mushroom-shaped clouds were formed. These clouds carried tiny particles that contained harmful radiation. The wind then carried these particles, known as radioactive fallout, to Arizona. This fallout was made up of materials that are not safe for living things.
Settling on Land, Water, and Plants
The harmful particles in the fallout settled on the ground, in lakes and rivers, and on plants in Arizona. This made the environment in Arizona contaminated with dangerous radiation. Even though people couldn’t see it, this radiation could cause health problems over time.
Hidden Threat to Health for Downwinders in Arizona
The fallout posed a hidden danger to the health of people in Arizona. Since the harmful materials can stick around for a long time, people in Arizona were unknowingly exposed to this radiation, which could lead to health issues like cancer. Here is a list of common types of cancers caused by radiation.
- Thyroid cancer
- Stomach cancer
- Small intestine cancer
- Salivary gland cancer
- Rectal cancer
- Pancreas cancer
- Ovarian cancer
- Lymphoma
- Nasal pharynx cancer
- Multiple myeloma
- Lung cancer
- Liver cancer
- Leukemia
- Gall bladder cancer
- Esophagus cancer
- Colon cancer
- Breast cancer
- Brain cancer
- Bladder cancer
- Bile duct cancer
Seeking Justice: The Radiation Exposure Compensation Act (RECA)
In response to the growing evidence of the devastating health effects of nuclear testing, the U.S. government took a significant step in acknowledging and addressing these impacts. In 1990, it established the Radiation Exposure Compensation Act (RECA).
This act was designed to provide monetary support to those who had been adversely affected by the nuclear tests, including a group often referred to as ‘Downwinders’.
The RECA was put in place to provide financial compensation to those who were physically present in these designated areas during specific periods when nuclear testing was conducted. The time frames considered for compensation are based on the periods when nuclear tests were carried out in the Nevada Test Site from 1951 to 1962, and the fallout from these tests was most likely to affect the residents of these areas.
Importantly, not all residents of these areas are eligible for compensation under RECA. The act specifies that individuals must have developed certain types of cancer or other serious diseases that are known to be caused by exposure to radiation.
These include various forms of leukemia (except for chronic lymphocytic leukemia), several specified cancers (including thyroid, breast, esophagus, stomach, pharynx, small intestine, pancreas, bile ducts, gall bladder, salivary gland, urinary tract – including kidney, renal pelvis, ureter, urinary bladder, and urethra – brain, colon, ovary, liver, lung, and multiple myeloma).
Those who meet the criteria set out under RECA typically receive a one-time payment of $50,000. This compensation is intended to provide some financial relief for the medical expenses and suffering caused by the illnesses linked to the nuclear tests.
Get Help with Your Application
Have you or a loved one been affected by the deadly fallout of nuclear tests conducted in the mid-20th century? If so, you may qualify for compensation under the Radiation Exposure Compensation Act (RECA), specifically as a ‘Downwinder’.
At the National Cancer Benefits Center (NCBC), we specialize in helping downwinders in Arizona who have been exposed to government-created radiation and subsequently were diagnosed with cancer as a result of that exposure. We are dedicated to assisting you in obtaining the compensation you deserve.
Please reach out to us at (800) 414-4328 to find out your eligibility for compensation or use our online form. We look forward to serving you!
