Keep pushing for federal compensation for radioactive contamination here, activists say
Mark Schlinkmann reports for the St. Louis Post-Dispatch about two longtime activists who recently urged people across the St. Louis metro area to keep the pressure on for a pending bill in Congress that would compensate area residents with illnesses tied to the development of the atomic bomb.
In a nutshell:
Longtime activists Dawn Chapman and Karen Nickel, founders of the Just Moms STL group, are rallying support for a pending congressional bill to compensate St. Louis metro area residents suffering from illnesses linked to atomic bomb development. At a recent town hall-style meeting, they emphasized the importance of individuals reaching out to friends and acquaintances to raise awareness about the issue. The bill addresses radioactive waste contamination resulting from uranium processing in the region, which has affected communities for decades.
Key quote:
“The secrets that are being withheld from you are shameful,” political science Professor Emeritus Denise DeGarmo said. DeGarmo wrote a 2006 book on disposal of radioactive waste in the region.
The big picture:
Exposure to radioactive materials can lead to various health issues, including cancer, genetic mutations, and organ damage. Contaminated areas may experience long-lasting environmental damage, affecting ecosystems and water sources. Affected communities often have incomplete access to information about radioactive waste and its local effects.
Read the article at the St. Louis Post-Dispatch.
Read more: Americans are exposed to many contaminants without their knowledge, including emerging pollutants, such as pesticides and radioactive material.
