In 1950, the Atomic Energy Commission (AEC) selected the Las Vegas Bombing and Gunnery Range to develop and test its nuclear weapons. In December of 1950, President Harry Truman approved the establishment of nearly 700 square miles of the Range as the Nevada Proving Ground, later renamed to the Nevada Test Site in 1955.
Above ground testing occurred for 43 years before it was moved to underground tunnels. However,
when the testing began, most residents of the area, and even those working at the site, did not know
about the possible health risks—including the potential for wind currents to cause radioactive fallout,
unfortunately resulting in different cancer and chronic illness diagnosis, including COPD. Many
causes of COPD in former atomic-industry workers can be attributed to their work history and the
occupational materials they were exposed to while working in DOE facilities. Common hazards
include dust, silica, asbestos, mining dust, sulfur dioxide fumes, cadmium fumes, as well as other
heavy metal fumes from welding. If your patient has been diagnosed with COPD or another lung
disease related to workplace exposure they may qualify for financial and medical benefits through
the EEOICPA.
Nuclear Care Partners’ team of Benefits Specialists can help you determine if they may qualify.
BreatheBetter - A Specialized Program Exclusively Provided by Nuclear Care Partners
Here at Nuclear Care Partners, we are always looking for new and inventive ways to help our
patients maximize their quality of life while battling their COPD diagnosis. Our BreathBetter Program
allows our patients, from the comfort of their own home, to work on simple breathing exercises
customized by healthcare professionals to maximize their lung function and lung health.
● Receive education on specific diseases and disease processes.
● Learn from a BreatheBetter nurse and practice a variety of lung exercises to help with
breathing.
● Find comfort in knowing that we will advocate for your patient's lung health needs
● Patients will learn how to properly use and care for their inhalers, concentrators, and other
medications and devices.
Our BreatheBetter Respiratory Care Program can also help former atomic workers battling any of
the following respiratory conditions & more:
● Chronic Asthma
● Chronic Beryllium Disease
● Silicosis
● Asbestosis
● Emphysema
● Pulmonary Fibrosis
● Sarcoidosis
● Pneumoconiosis
● Pleural Plaques
Give us a call at 800.525.5111 to learn more about this respiratory program and how it may benefit
your patients who worked for the Department of Energy and are battling a respiratory illness.