New federal studies reveal that thousands more workers than expected at federal plants, private manufacturers and universities may have been exposed to radiation risks associated with uranium. The radioactive elements, linked to the U.S. nuclear weapons program, increase the odds of developing cancer and other ailments. The finding may place another burden on a new federal program to compensate sick nuclear weapons workers.
See "Study flags radioactive threat", Peter Eisler, USA Today, June 24, 2001