Radiation Exposure Compensation Act (RECA)

The Radiation Exposure Compensation Act (RECA) is a U.S. law that provides financial compensation to individuals who were accidentally exposed to radiation during nuclear weapons production or testing, primarily in Nevada, New Mexico, and Utah. It recognizes that such exposure can cause serious health problems like cancer. RECA offers monetary payments to eligible uranium miners, millers, transporters, or downwinders—people living near nuclear test sites—whose illnesses are linked to radiation exposure. The program aims to acknowledge past health risks and support affected communities.