Lawmakers demand reparations for New Mexicans imperiled by nuclear bomb testing

“It’s very emotional to reflect on all we’ve lost as a result of being exposed to radiation,” said consortium founder Tina Cordova, herself a survivor of thyroid cancer who said members of her family also suffered from myriad forms of the disease.

By Adrian Hedden Carlsbad Current-Argus | September 10, 2022 currentargus.com

Paul Pino, a native of Carrizozo, returns to his family ranch where 77 years earlier the U.S. tested a nuclear bomb just over 50 miles away.

When the U.S.’ first nuclear bomb was detonated in south-central New Mexico, it was believed to set off a chain of cancers and health problems suffered by the surrounding communities for generations.

People who grew up near the Trinity Test Site, near the remote communities of Carrizozo or Tularosa, were denied federal relief dollars afforded to other “downwinders” impacted by nuclear testing around the country.

Both towns were within 50 miles of the blast site, and advocates say they were exposed to radiation from the bomb testing.

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