When most people hear the term “nuclear testing,” they think of explosions, big mushroom clouds, and dangerous weapons. But there’s more to nuclear testing than just the blast.
It’s important to understand that serious health risks from nuclear testing can affect people and the environment for many years. In this blog, we will discuss the health risks from nuclear testing and where you can go to get help with the claims process to receive your compensation.
What is Nuclear Testing?
Nuclear testing involves exploding nuclear weapons to test their power and effectiveness. Countries typically do this to show their strength or to learn more about how these weapons work. These tests can occur underground, underwater, or in the air.
Why Should We Worry About Nuclear Testing?
While nuclear tests might seem like something that only occur in distant, isolated locations, their effects can actually reach people living thousands of miles away. Here’s why nuclear testing is harmful:
Radiation
One of the biggest dangers of nuclear testing is radiation. When a nuclear bomb explodes, it releases a lot of radiation into the air.
Fallout
“Fallout” is the term for radioactive particles that fall back to Earth after a nuclear explosion. These particles can contaminate the soil, plants, and animals in an area.
Health Risks from Radiation Exposure
Radiation is invisible, but its effects on the human body can be very serious. Here are some of the health risks linked to exposure to radiation from nuclear testing:
Cancer
One of the most severe health risks from nuclear testing is cancer. When radioactive particles enter the body, they can damage cells, leading to various types of cancer, including:
Bile Duct Cancer
Bile duct cancer affects the bile ducts, which are tubes that connect the liver and gallbladder to the small intestine. This cancer can obstruct the flow of bile, leading to jaundice and other liver-related issues.
Bladder Cancer
Bladder cancer starts in the cells of the bladder, which stores urine.
Brain Cancer
Brain cancer involves abnormal cell growth in the brain. It can affect brain function and is often categorized by the type of cells involved or the location in the brain.
Breast Cancer
Breast cancer originates in the breast tissue, usually in the ducts or lobules.
Colon Cancer
Colon cancer (or colorectal cancer) starts in the colon or rectum.
Esophageal Cancer
Esophageal cancer affects the esophagus, the tube that carries food from the throat to the stomach.
Gall Bladder Cancer
Gall bladder cancer occurs in the gallbladder, a small organ that stores bile.
Leukemia
Leukemia is a cancer of the blood and bone marrow that causes the overproduction of abnormal white blood cells.
Liver Cancer
Liver cancer begins in the liver cells and causes symptoms like weight loss, loss of appetite, and jaundice.
Lung Cancer
Lung cancer originates in the lungs and causes persistent cough, chest pain, and shortness of breath.
Lymphoma
Lymphoma is a cancer of the lymphatic system, which helps fight infection. Hodgkin lymphoma and non-Hodgkin lymphoma are two main types.
Multiple Myeloma
Multiple myeloma is a cancer of plasma cells in the bone marrow that causes bone pain, fractures, and anemia.
Nasal Pharynx Cancer
Nasal pharynx cancer affects the upper part of the throat behind the nose.
Ovarian Cancer
Ovarian cancer starts in the ovaries and results in bloating, pelvic pain, and changes in bowel habits.
Pancreatic Cancer
Pancreatic cancer occurs in the pancreas, an organ that aids digestion and blood sugar regulation.
Rectal Cancer
Rectal cancer is a type of colorectal cancer that starts in the rectum.
Salivary Gland Cancer
Salivary gland cancer begins in the salivary glands, which produce saliva.
Small Intestine Cancer
Small intestine cancer affects the small intestine, part of the digestive tract.
Stomach Cancer
Stomach cancer (or gastric cancer) starts in the stomach lining.
Thyroid Cancer
Thyroid cancer originates in the thyroid gland, which regulates metabolism.
Birth Defects
Radiation exposure during pregnancy can harm an unborn baby, leading to birth defects. These defects can affect the baby’s physical and mental development, causing lifelong challenges.
Genetic Damage
Radiation can cause genetic mutations, which are changes in DNA. These mutations can be passed down to future generations, potentially causing health problems for the children and grandchildren of those exposed to radiation.
Acute Radiation Syndrome (ARS)
Exposure to a high dose of radiation over a short period can cause acute radiation syndrome (ARS), also known as radiation sickness. Symptoms include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and fatigue. ARS can be fatal if the radiation dose is very high.
Environmental Impact
Nuclear testing doesn’t just affect humans; it also harms the environment. Radioactive particles can contaminate soil, water, and air, affecting plants and animals. This contamination can enter the food chain, posing additional health risks to people who consume contaminated food and water.
- Hair loss: High doses of radiation can cause hair to fall out.
- Skin burns: Exposure to radiation can burn the skin, much like a severe sunburn.
- Weak immune system: Radiation can weaken the immune system, making it harder for the body to fight off infections.
Compensation for Nuclear Testing
If you or someone in your family has cancer and lived in Arizona, Colorado, Idaho, Montana, Nevada, New Mexico, or Utah between January 21, 1951, and October 31, 1958, or for at least a year starting from July 1962, you might be eligible for compensation.
We at the Cancer Benefits Center for Downwinders have years of experience helping eligible people file compensation claims and get paid. We are committed to helping you at each step of the claims process.
To get started, fill out our registration form. We look forward to serving you!
