US Military Cleanup Crews Pay Heavy Price for Nuclear Testing Fallout
US Military Cleanup Crews Pay Heavy Price for Nuclear Testing Fallout
By Jake Epstein - December 12, 2022
Crystal white sand, clear blue water, and coconut palm trees paint an idyllic scene, but for US military veterans who participated in atomic cleanup operations in the late 1970s, the reality on Enewetak Atoll was far from a paradise. Over a decade after numerous nuclear tests were conducted by the US military in the Pacific, soldiers were sent to the Marshall Islands to address the fallout from these tests. The aftermath of nuclear testing left the islands contaminated, posing serious health risks to both local inhabitants and the cleanup crews.
Ken Brownell, a former carpenter, served in the military during the late 1970s and was dispatched to the Marshall Islands in 1977 to support cleanup efforts. The goal was to create a habitable area for the Marshallese people by building a concrete dome on Runit Island, which would hold contaminated soil and debris from radiation. However, Brownell highlighted the challenge of cleaning up the islands after the contamination had spread extensively, affecting wildlife, ocean life, and the local population. The contaminants were not confined to specific areas, making exposure a constant risk for the cleanup crews.
Brownell described the lack of protective gear during his work, often wearing only combat boots, shorts, and a hat. The exposure to radioactive materials came from various sources, including contaminated seafood and airborne dust. Despite their service and sacrifices, many veterans like Brownell find themselves excluded from compensation and healthcare programs designed to support those who were exposed to toxins during their service. While some legislation, like the PACT Act, aims to improve funding and healthcare access for affected veterans, there remains a pressing need for recognition and support for atomic cleanup veterans who continue to grapple with severe health issues resulting from their efforts.
In a sobering account, Jake Epstein delves into the harrowing experiences of US military atomic cleanup crews who were dispatched to the Marshall Islands in the aftermath of extensive nuclear testing conducted in the Pacific. The article highlights the catastrophic aftermath of nuclear tests like Castle Bravo, which produced nuclear fallout and contamination, affecting both local inhabitants and military personnel.
Ken Brownell, a veteran who served during the late 1970s, describes the futile cleanup efforts and the impossibility of fully mitigating the radioactive contamination that had permeated the islands. Exposed to contaminated food, dust, and soil, veterans like Brownell faced severe and lasting health issues, including cancers.
Many veterans, despite their sacrifices and health challenges, find themselves excluded from compensation and healthcare programs, prompting continued advocacy efforts to raise awareness about the dangers of radiation exposure and the dire need for recognition and support for atomic cleanup veterans.
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