U.S. Department of Energy Budgets For Cleanup of Las Vegas, Nevada Site Tainted with Asbestos, Other Contaminants

In March 2009, U.S. Energy Secretary Steven Chu announced that $44 million had been earmarked for a large environmental cleanup at the infamous Nevada Test Site. The site, located approximately 65 miles northwest of Las Vegas, was the location of nuclear weapons testing between 1951 and 1992. In addition to the nuclear hazards, the site is tainted with asbestos, mercury, arsenic and other contaminants.

The project funding came from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, which calls for over $6 billion to be spent for environmental cleanup projects throughout the United States.

According to the National Nuclear Security Administration, two Area 25 Test Cell C small structures will be decontaminated. The structures are polluted with asbestos, mercury, lead, arsenic, light bulbs and batteries in the area where nuclear rocket engines were tested.

Exposure to asbestos is known to cause serious diseases such as mesothelioma, asbestos-related lung cancer and asbestosis.

Weitz & Luxenberg is a leading plaintiffs' law firm that has represented people affected by mesothelioma for over 20 years. Men and women diagnosed with mesothelioma caused by asbestos exposure may be entitled to compensation from the companies responsible for their disease.

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