The repercussions of nuclear weapons testing in distant locations may have had severe health impacts on residents of Montana. As awareness of these potential consequences grows, there is an increasing call for political action to recognize and compensate those affected.
Blair Miller reports for Idaho Capital Sun.
In short:
- A 1997 National Cancer Institute study revealed that 15 of the top 25 U.S. counties most affected by radioactive fallout from Nevada's weapons tests are in Montana.
- Residents, particularly those consuming local dairy products, face increased thyroid cancer risks due to iodine-131 exposure.
- Efforts to include Montana in the Radiation Exposure Compensation Act, providing aid to affected individuals, face political and financial hurdles.
Key quote:
"I don’t know how many women, and it could be reservation women in particular, or people that may be related to this radiation, have been walking around forever with their thyroids out of whack."
— Patti Jo Ruegamer, Montana resident
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