What Veterans to Radiation in

Veterans' Exposure to Radiation in the Military

During the Cold War, the United States conducted hundreds of nuclear tests, both above ground and underground, as well as open-air tests of chemical and biological weapons. These tests released tremendous amounts of radioactive fallout into the atmosphere and contaminated the environment.

U.S. service members were involved in many of these tests, often without adequate protection from the radiation. They served in support roles such as providing security and medical care, or they participated in the tests themselves, including the detonation of nuclear weapons. This exposure to radiation put them at an increased risk for developing a variety of health problems, including cancer, heart disease, and other illnesses.

In addition, many veterans were sent to clean up the radioactive debris from weapons testing sites, such as the Nevada Test Site and the Bikini Atoll in the Pacific. This work involved inhaling radioactive particles and handling contaminated materials, which further increased their risk of developing health problems.

Health Risks

Radiation exposure can have a variety of health effects, both short-term and long-term. Some of the short-term effects of radiation exposure include:

* Acute radiation syndrome (ARS), which can cause nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, skin damage, and other symptoms

* Radiation burns

* Eye injuries, such as cataracts

Long-term health effects of radiation exposure can include:

* Cancer, including leukemia, lymphoma, bone cancer, and skin cancer

* Heart disease

* Stroke

* Diabetes

* Kidney disease

* Liver disease

* Lung disease

* Thyroid problems

* Infertility

* Birth defects

The risk of developing health problems from radiation exposure depends on a number of factors, including:

* The amount of radiation received

* The length of time exposed to radiation

* The type of radiation exposure

* The individual's age, health, and lifestyle

Government Response

The U.S. government has long been aware of the potential health risks of radiation exposure. However, it has often been slow to respond to the needs of veterans who were exposed to radiation during their military service.

For example, the government initially denied that there was a link between radiation exposure and health problems. It wasn't until 1988 that the U.S. Congress passed the Radiation Exposure Compensation Act (RECA), which provided compensation to certain veterans who were exposed to radiation during the Cold War. RECA has since been amended several times to expand eligibility to additional veterans.

The government has also established several programs to provide medical care and other services to veterans who were exposed to radiation. However, these programs have often been criticized for being inadequate.

Conclusion

Veterans who were exposed to radiation during their military service have a higher risk of developing a variety of health problems. The U.S. government has a responsibility to provide these veterans with the care and compensation they need.