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JULY 31, 2000

Navajo miners and their families face numerous health problems associated with uranium mining on the Navajo Nation Reservation during the height of the atomic age.

Lung disease has killed about 400, according to the Uranium Radiation Victims Committee. Miners did their work without protective clothing, ate and drank in and around mines, and were never warned of the dangers.

Legislation signed by President Clinton this month makes it easier for them to gain compensation. Orrin Hatch, the law's sponsor, said his prior 1990 law did not take into account Navajo cultural differences.

While white workers could easily supply documentation necessary such as birth certificates and marriage licenses, the bill made it harder for Navajo workers to qualify.

The new law laxes requirements for Navajo workers, many of whom do not speak English and didn't seek conventional medical treatment for their illnesses. The original law required detailed medical records.

Some Navajos still worry that the people who implement the legislation will not write adequate regulations.

The law is Public Law No: 106-245.

Get the Story:
Navajos seek restitution for uranium-related deaths (AP 7/31)
Senate approves radiation compensation bill, Hatch urges President to sign bill (Orrin Hatch 6/29)

Related Links:
Senator Orrin Hatch - www.senate.gov/~hatch