Nevada RESEP offers free medical screenings and education to those affected by nuclear weapons testing. We also provide free assistance with filing Radiation Exposure Compensation Act (RECA) claims.
The United States conducted nearly 200 aboveground nuclear weapons tests from 1945 to 1962. During this time, many Nevada Test Site (NTS) workers, uranium industry workers, and families living or working downwind of the NTS were exposed to harmful radioactive materials.
Studies show that people exposed to radiation are at higher risk of developing certain cancers. Regular medical screenings can help to manage that increased risk.
Services Provided
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Physical exam from a physician provided at no cost to those eligible
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Screening tests including blood work, urine dip, chest X-ray, and fecal occult blood test
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Educational materials about routine cancer screenings and other preventive health measures
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Summary and copy of exam results
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Referral services
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Free assistance with filing claims under the Radiation Exposure Compensation Act
RESEP screenings are offered monthly in Las Vegas and periodically in Caliente, Ely, and Winnemucca.
To schedule a screening, please call us at 702-992-6887.
Eligibility
To be eligible for a screening, you must have direct ties to aboveground nuclear testing, whether as an employee at a test site or uranium mining operation, or as a resident or worker in a downwind county.
Downwinders
Persons who were physically present in an affected area for one of the following:
|
Affected Area
|
Date Range
|
Duration
|
|---|---|---|
| New Mexico |
September 24, 1944 - November 6, 1962 |
At least 1 year |
| Any affected area |
Janurary 21, 1951 - November 6, 1962 |
At least 1 year |
| Any affected area |
June 30, 1962 - July 31, 1962 |
Entire period |
- Nevada Counties: Eureka, Lander, Lincoln, Nye, White Pine, and the northeast area of Clark (includes Moapa, Mesquite, Overton, Logandale, and Riverside).
- Arizona Counties: Apache, Coconino, Gila, Navajo, Yavapai, and area of Arizona that is north of the Grand Canyon (Mohave)
- Utah (entire state)
- Idaho (entire state)
- New Mexico (entire state)
Uranium Industry Workers
Uranium miners, millers, ore transporters, core drillers, or remediation workers employed from 1942 – 1990 in the states of Arizona, Colorado, Idaho, Oregon, North Dakota, New Mexico, South Dakota, Texas, Utah, Washington, or Wyoming. Both underground and aboveground mines qualify. Uranium miners who establish radon exposure equivalent to 40 working level months are also eligible.
Onsite Participants
Persons who participated onsite above or within the official boundaries of the Nevada, Pacific, Trinity, or South Atlantic Test Sites at any time during a period of U.S. atmospheric nuclear testing. This can include anyone who worked at a Test Site prior to 1963. It can also include those who monitored fallout or who worked on the decontamination of ships, aircraft, or other equipment used in a U.S. nuclear weapons test.
Manhattan Project Waste
Persons who lived, worked, or attended school in areas affected by Manhattan Project waste contamination for at least two years after 1948.
- Missouri Zip Codes: 63031, 63033, 63034, 63042, 63045, 63074, 63114, 63135, 63138, 63044, 63121, 63140, 63145, 63147, 63102, 63304, 63134, 63043, 63341, 63368, 63367
- Tennessee Zip Codes: 37716, 37840, 37719, 37748, 37763, 37828, 37769, 37710, 37845, 37887, 37829, 37854, 37830, 37831
- Alaska Zip Codes: 99546 and 99547
- Kentucky Zip Codes: 42001, 42003, and 42086
Radiation Exposure Compensation Act
The Radiation Exposure Compensation Act (RECA) offers an apology and monetary compensation to individuals who developed certain cancers and other serious illnesses following their exposure to radiation from aboveground nuclear testing, Manhattan Project waste, or working in the uranium-mining industry.
If the person who became ill with a compensable disease is deceased and never filed a claim, surviving family members can file on his or her behalf.
| Downwinders, Onsite Participants, and Uranium Industry Workers |
Manhattan Project Waste | |
|---|---|---|
| Self | $100,000 | $50,000 OR total out-of-pocket medical expenses not reimbursed by other methods |
| Surviving Spouse, Child, Parent, or Grandparent | $100,000 | $25,000 |
Please call 702-992-6887 to request a claim form. Electronic filing may become available – please visit the U.S. Department of Justice's website for more information on electronic filing.
Nevada RESEP offers free assistance at every step of the process, from providing a claim form to requesting medical documentation. Hiring an attorney is not required to file a compensation claim.
RECA expires in 2027. All claims must be filed by December 31, 2027. Any claims filed after that date will be barred.
Compensable Illness
Downwinders and Onsite Participants
Leukemia (excluding Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia); multiple myeloma; lymphomas (excluding Hodgkin’s Disease); primary cancers of the bile ducts, brain, breast (male or female), esophagus, liver (unless cirrhosis or Hepatitis B indicated), gallbladder, colon, lung, ovary, pancreas, pharynx, salivary gland, small intestine, stomach, or thyroid.
Uraninium Workers
Primary cancer of the lung; certain nonmalignant respiratory diseases including pulmonary fibrosis of the lung, cor pulmonale related to fibrosis of the lung, silicosis, and pneumoconiosis; renal cancer or other chronic renal diseases, including nephritis and kidney tubal tissue injury.
Manhattan Project Waste
Leukemia (provided initial exposure occurred after age 20), multiple myeloma, lymphomas (other than Hodgkin’s disease), and primary cancers of the thyroid, male or female breast, esophagus, stomach, pharynx, small intestine, pancreas, bile ducts, gall bladder, salivary gland, urinary bladder, brain, colon, ovary, bone, renal, liver (except if cirrhosis or Hepatitis B is indicated, or lung.
Additional Information
Please visit the following websites:
Contact
Nevada RESEP
UNLV Health, Department of Family Medicine
1701 W. Charleston Blvd., Ste. 590
Las Vegas, NV 89102
702-992-6887
This project is supported by the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) under Grant H1GRH53348, Radiation Exposure Screening and Education Program, Grant Period September 1, 2024 – August 31, 2027. The information or content and conclusions are those of the author, and should not be construed as the official position of, nor should any endorsements be inferred by HRSA, HHS, or the U.S. Government.