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Tonawanda News – HEALTH: Schumer calls for action on nuclear program

HEALTH: Schumer calls for action on nuclear program
By Mark Scheer The Tonawanda News 13 Nov 08 U.S Sen. Charles Schumer, D-New York, has asked the U.S. Department of Labor to speed up the processing of compensation claims filed by Western New Yorkers who took part in the development of the nation’s nuclear weapons program during the Cold War……………………..“The one thing our Cold War heroes who were exposed to nuclear radiation don’t have is time,” Schumer said. “The Department of Labor must put their applications for much-deserved health compensation on the fast track immediately.”…………………….Workers who can document their employment history and who have contracted radioactive cancer, beryllium disease or chronic silicosis after working at sites where nuclear weapons work was performed are able to apply for compensation. The workers have long contended that the federal government is purposely delaying the processing of compensation claims to avoid having to pay benefits. While Western New York has one of the highest concentrations of facilities involved in the development of the nation’s nuclear weapons program, Schumer says it continues to lag behind in terms of the number of claims processed.

Tonawanda News – HEALTH: Schumer calls for action on nuclear program

Tags: Nuclear, antinuclear, radioactive, uranium

November 14, 2008 - Posted by Christina Macpherson | environment