The History of Nuclear Testing

Purpose Before getting into the history of nuclear testing, it is important to understand the reason why they were done. The testing itself provides vital information about how well certain nuclear weapons work, what they act like under different conditions, and how other factors are going to react to a given nuclear weapon. In other words, a nuclear weapons test is completed in hopes of understanding how powerful they are and their effectiveness. The First Test On July 16, 1945 in Alamogordo, New Mexico the first U.S. atomic bomb was exploded. Many know this initial test called “Trinity” under the direction of the “Manhattan Project,” the name of the first group of scientists to have studied and completed nuclear testing in the United States, during World War II. From this project up until 1992, the U.S. conducted 1,032 tests. The End of Nuclear Testing On September 23, 1992 the final U.S. Nuclear Weapons Test named, “Divider” took place underground at the Nevada Test Site. Around this time, the end of the Cold War, people in America were in the midst of protesting this type of testing. The side effects of nuclear testing were becoming more well-known and many people were unhappy about radioactive contamination. Under President Bill Clinton’s presidency, the U.S. signed a global treaty called the Comprehensive Nuclear Test Ban Treaty in 1996. This treaty prohibits “any nuclear weapon test explosion or any other nuclear explosion” anywhere in the world. Although it was signed in 1996, the Senate rejected ratification in 1999. This treaty must be ratified by 44 nations in order to be enacted. So, although this treaty was signed 23 years ago, it will not be effective in the near future. How We Can Help Many of those involved in Nuclear Testing now experience related health issues, and we are here to help them get the compensation they deserve. We’re an authorized benefits provider of the EEOICPA/RECA. For questions regarding your benefits or eligibility, please contact us today!
Eligibility for medical benefits under the EEOICPA is based on the medical necessity created by your accepted conditions and is subject to approval by the Department of Labor.

United Energy Workers Healthcare does not discriminate and does not permit discrimination, including, without limitation, bullying, abuse or harassment, on the basis of actual or perceived race, color, religion, national origin, ancestry, age, gender, physical or mental disability, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression or HIV status, or based on association with another person on account of that person’s actual or perceived race, color, religion, national origin, ancestry, age, gender, physical or mental disability, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression or HIV status.  

To be eligible for EEOICPA/RECA benefits, an individual must have been employed at a covered Department of Energy facility, an approved atomic weapons facility, or at a permitted beryllium vendor. An individual must also have one of the covered conditions because of exposure to radiation, beryllium, or silica while employed at an accepted facility. In addition, uranium miners, millers, and ore transporters are eligible for benefits if they develop an illness because of exposure to toxic substances (such as radiation, chemicals, solvents, acids, and metals) and worked at a facility covered under RECA. Eligibility requirements vary by location and condition.

*United Energy Workers Healthcare does not determine eligibility for EEOICPA benefits. Eligibility for EEOICPA benefits is determined by the Department of Labor. United Energy Workers Healthcare is not an Authorized Representative and cannot file your claim on your behalf