nuclear-news

Veterans sue govt for nuclear radiation harm

FORMER SOLDIERS SUE STATE FOR NUCLEAR RADIATION DAMAGES Santiago Times  By James Fowler 23 October 2009 Conscripts Were Exposed To High Levels Of Radiation Former soldiers suffering from radiation poisoning are suing the Chilean treasury and Nuclear Energy Commission for US$85 million. The men were exposed to high levels of radiation whilst guarding the same nuclear facility in Santiago in the late 1980’s.

Over 60 ex-guards of the La Reina Nuclear Reactor and Research Center cited various health problems in filing their lawsuit against the state. The men in question secured the facility as part of their national military service duties between 1988-1989 and show symptoms of dangerous over-exposure to radiation.

The case presented by the Santiago law firm Alfredo Morgado reads: “This petition demands compensation from the state on behalf of the victims who have died or continue to suffer as a result of radiation poisoning.”
The lawsuit also points to the “non-existent help” the government has offered to the men. Amongst the medical conditions cited are various forms of cancer, bone and nerve degeneration, digestive problems, migraines and diarrhea.

Some of the men also claim compensation for medical conditions and congenital defects allegedly passed on to their children.

Among the petitioners are the families of soldiers who died as a result of the contamination. Guillermo Cofre died in 1989 after being asked to clean up a nuclear waste spill with a towel.

“His military uniform had melted, almost as if he had fallen in acid,” his father said. Both Guillermo and his companion on the task Luis Gomez Naranjo died of leukemia within 18 months of the accident.

The families of the deceased are suing for over US$3.5 million each, while the remaining petitioners are each claiming between US$1 to 1.5 million for current and future health complications. The case is being heard at the Santiago Court of Appeals.

The lawsuit comes at a time of increased lobbying efforts on behalf of nuclear energy proponents linked to Chile’s mining sector………….
Opponents argue that nuclear power has no place in an earthquake and volcano eruption-prone region of the planet and has proven to be too costly and too unreliable an energy option.  They also argue that nuclear energy will only consolidated a top-down energy delivery model, will tempt military leaders to consider nuclear weapons, and will delay Chile’s inevitable conversion to non-traditional renewable energy sources.

President Michelle Bachelet won election in 2005 with the promise that she would not promote nuclear power during her mandate, but has allowed significant research in the nuclear energy option to go forward – much to the dismay of Chile’s environmental community.

The Santiago Times – English Language Newspaper in Santiago, Chile – News in Chile and Latin America – FORMER SOLDIERS SUE STATE FOR NUCLEAR RADIATION DAMAGES

October 24, 2009 - Posted by Christina Macpherson | 1, health, SOUTH AMERICA | antinuclear, nuclear, nuclear secrecy, nuclear wastes, nuclear weapons, radioactive