US EPA

1435264 

Journal Article 

Uranium mining in the Navajo nation (1947-1966): a case of undesigned human experimentation 

Moure-Eraso, R 

1999 

Yes 

International Congress Series
ISSN: 0531-5131 

INTERNATIONAL CONGRESS SERIES 

1189 

255-267 

WOS:000085199800027 

Background. This paper evaluates environmental exposures to members of the Navajo Nation caused by the practices of uranium mining and milling in the Navajo reservation during the period 1947-1966. Methods. A historical review of the state of the art knowledge of the health effects of uranium mining and milling during the years prior to 1947 was conducted. Contemporary prevention and remediation practices were also assessed. The evaluation of this state of the art knowledge on occupational and environmental effects on uranium mining in this period was also summarized. Results. A comprehensive evaluation of radiation human experimentation conducted by the US Federal Government in 1995-1996, (ACHRE) concluded that uranium miners and specifically Navajo miners, are the single group that was put seriously at risk by harm from radiation exposures, with inadequate disclosure and often fatal consequences. Conclusions. ACHRE classified uranium miners as unwilling and unaware victims of human experimentation in what was defined as ""experiments of opportunity"" to evaluate health effects of radiation. The failure to issue regulations or apply this knowledge caused widespread environmental damage in the Navajo Nation. 

environmental impact; internal radiation; occupational health