Leukemia and Thyroid Cancer in Relation to RECA Boundaries

A total of 1,054 test were conducted by the United States between 1945 and 1992. This is more Atomic tests than all other countries combined. Of those tests 928 were conducted at the Nevada Test Site located 65 miles from Las Vegas, Nevada. These tests spread nuclear fallout throughout the United States causing the people in nearby communities to become sick. The public outcry spurred the passing of the Radiation Exposure Compensation Act in 1990 (RECA) It’s scope of coverage was broaded in 2000. Despite many groups fighting for further expansion, the Act expired in June of 2024. Of the different diseases caused by radiation exposure I have chosen Thyroid Cancer and Leukemia to study. They are both covered under RECA and manifest very differently. Thyroid cancer can take years even decades after initial exposure to manifest. Leukemia on the other hand can be used as an early warning sign of radiation exposure because children are more susceptible to radiation through contaminated milk.