Letter: Sun reporting keeps Test Site issue out front

Saturday, Jan. 20, 2001 | 10:23 a.m.

Our group of physicians, nurses and public health professionals has worked with this remarkable group of men and women over the past four years. With the able assistance of Dr. George Kaiser and others at the University of Nevada Family Medicine program, we have provided medical testing to almost 2,000 former Test Site workers. We anticipate testing at least an equal number of former workers over the next few years. Our program, which takes place every three months, is funded by the U.S. Department of Energy.

The DOE, under the leadership of Secretary Bill Richardson, took a large step to address many of the NTS health-related issues of this group. Individuals with silicosis, radiation-related cancers, and other health conditions arising out of employment at the NTS are now eligible to receive workers compensation. Our group is especially pleased to see that Richardson has suggested that Congress modify the criteria used to diagnose silicosis and thus make it easier, and in our opinion more fair, to receive compensation.

The men and women who worked at the NTS risked their lives, often working in harm's way, because they believed in what they were doing. It is essential that their legacy is acknowledged and that their sacrifices be justly compensated.

LEWIS PEPPER

Editor's note: The writer is a medical doctor at the Boston University School of Public Health.