If you or a loved one lived near nuclear test sites in the past 65 years, you may have been exposed to radiation. Working with nuclear materials or being downwind of test sites may have caused serious health problems, such as cancer and birth defects. Do you know what signs to look for? In this blog, we will look at who Downwinders are, why nuclear radiation is dangerous and what health changes may develop.
Who Are Downwinders?
Downwinders are individuals who lived or worked in or near nuclear test sites during the Cold War era in the United States. These tests were conducted by the federal government to develop and test nuclear weapons. The wind often carried radioactive particles from these tests to nearby communities. So, residents received high levels of radiation.
Why Is Nuclear Radiation Dangerous?
Exposure to radiation can produce long-term health effects. It damages the DNA contained in bodily cells.
Exposure to nuclear radiation from atomic bomb tests or handling/manufacturing nuclear weapons increases the risk of numerous cancers and other problems. This can cause birth defects in children and even grandchildren of Downwinders.
A number of counties in the following states were exposed to nuclear radiation through nuclear research, testing and manufacture during the mid-twentieth century:
- Arizona
- Colorado
- Idaho
- Montana
- Nevada
- New Mexico
- Utah
There are many types of cancer linked to atomic radiation including but not limited to:
- Thyroid cancer
- Stomach cancer
- Small intestine cancer
- Rectal cancer
- Multiple myeloma
- Leukemia
- Breast cancer
- Brain cancer
The federal government has acknowledged that exposure to ionizing radiation harmed nearby communities and individuals. These people, for the most part, were veterans of the armed services and their families. As such, the Downwinders Cancer Benefits program compensates veterans, atomic workers and families with lump sum monetary payments.
Through the rules set forth in the Radiation Exposure Compensation Act (RECA) of 1990, Downwinders can receive lump sum compensation in the amount of $50,000. Applicants to this federal program must prove their residency, employment, adverse health effects and more in order to qualify.
What Health Changes May Develop from Radiation Exposure?
Unfortunately, many of the health changes from radiation exposure exhibit few to no symptoms early on. However, over time, exposed individuals may have symptoms such as:
- Lumps and swelling, particularly with breast and thyroid cancers
- Fatigue
- Cough, especially with lung cancer
- Unexplainable weight loss
- Changes in bowel habits (frequency, consistency and other factors)
Radiation exposure affects different people in different ways. Much depends on the kind of radiation, the dose and how an individual was exposed (through the skin, inhalation and more).
Moreover, some people are more susceptible to health problems depending on their stages in life. Childhood, the elder years and pregnancy are the most prone times. Also, people with weak immune systems suffer with more serious health issues if they have been exposed to ionizing radiation.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports that pregnant women exposed to radiation have higher risks for miscarriage and fetal defect. These defects can include poor growth, abnormalities in structure and physiology and even cancer as the baby eventually grows into adulthood.
Finally, in addition to physical health changes, radiation exposure can impact emotional and mental health. People experience fear and anxiety surrounding potential long-term consequences. Radiation exposure can lead to feelings of helplessness and depression, as well as changes in behavior and even interpersonal relationships.
Help for Exposure to Nuclear Testing and Radiation
At the Cancer Benefits Center for Downwinders®, our team of compassionate and knowledgeable counselors work with Downwinders and their loved ones. Our counselors direct Downwinders to the resources they need to file claims for monetary compensation, healthcare and other due benefits.
We understand that obtaining the right documentation of employment, military service, health problems, residency and more can be daunting and upsetting. So, we work with each individual claimant to eliminate this stress and strain. We want people to get the information and compensation they deserve–both for themselves and their loved ones.
To learn more about how the Cancer Benefits Center for Downwinders® can assist you, fill in our registration here.
Understand the effects of exposure to government-created radiation. Please allow us the privilege of serving you!
