Fallout emitted during the U.S. Government's atmospheric nuclear testing in Nevada
during the 1950's and during a brief period in 1962 exposed some individuals to doses
of radiation that put their health at risk. In addition, some individuals employed
in uranium mines during the period January 1, 1942 to December 31, 1971 were exposed
to large doses of radiation. Public Law 101-426 created the Radiation Exposure Compensation
Trust Fund (RECTF) and authorizes the Department of Justice (DOJ) to make compensation
payments to individuals (or their survivors) that were found to have contracted certain
diseases after the exposure. The payments will be made as a one-time lump sum. Generally,
the exposure occurred in parts of Colorado, New Mexico, Arizona, Wyoming, South Dakota,
Washington, Utah, Idaho, North Dakota, Oregon, and Texas.