Factory Workers Suffering From Cancer Need To Prove Their Job Caused It
Reporter's Notes
Jim Wood died from brain cancer just over a year ago. Wood worked at a nuclear weapons plant in Largo from 1982 to 1997. The plant was originally opened by General Electric, taken over by Lockheed Martin and closed under the supervision of the Department of Energy.
Wood was one of thousands of workers around the country who helped produce nuclear weapons during the Cold War years. In Pinellas, workers assembled triggers for nuclear weapons.
The government determined nuclear weapons workers developed cancer from exposure to radioactive and toxic chemicals at 290 facilities. Congress passed a law to cover their medical benefits and provide a lump sum $150,000 payment to each.
The catch – workers had to prove their job caused their cancer.
News Channel 8 Senior investigative reporter Steve Andrews found many workers had no idea what they were exposed to. Now during their hour of need, many of these stricken workers feel abandoned by the government they served.
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