Story perspectives

Health Risks Rise as Nuclear Workers Seek Compensation

8/24/2025

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Summary

Story summary

Since the Cold War, over 700,000 individuals have worked in the U.S. nuclear weapons complex, with compensation for radiation exposure.
The HHS has halted the review board for compensation claims, impacting many workers, including cancer patients like Steve Hicks.
Manhattan Project contamination still affects cities like St. Louis, raising cancer risks for residents. Cleanup efforts are ongoing at Hanford and Los Alamos.
Advocates, including Denise Degarmo, push for compensation for affected workers, emphasizing health risks and unrecognized contributions.

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Story summary

Since the Cold War, over 700,000 individuals have worked in the U.S. nuclear weapons complex, with compensation for radiation exposure.
The HHS has halted the review board for compensation claims, impacting many workers, including cancer patients like Steve Hicks.
Manhattan Project contamination still affects cities like St. Louis, raising cancer risks for residents. Cleanup efforts are ongoing at Hanford and Los Alamos.
Advocates, including Denise Degarmo, push for compensation for affected workers, emphasizing health risks and unrecognized contributions.