Ionizing radiation
ContaminantRadiation from atomic-test participation, nuclear work, and depleted-uranium environments.
Where it comes from in service
Atomic veterans, nuclear shipyard and weapons work, radar/nuclear equipment, and DU environments.
How it harms the body
Ionizing radiation damages DNA, which is why it is linked to a recognized list of cancers; dose and proximity matter.
How long it stays in you
The exposure is the dose received; the DNA/cancer risk is cumulative over a lifetime.
Where it goes — tap an organ to go deeper
The VA recognizes a list of radiogenic cancers (38 CFR §3.309(d), §3.311) and the Radiation-Exposed Veterans Compensation Act of 1988 — strong government acknowledgment for atomic veterans.
Cancer risk persists; document your role and environment, and screen per guidance.
What to ask your clinician about
- •Cancer screening per clinical guidance
- •Radiation dose reconstruction where applicable
Bring this to your clinician and your VSO — they decide what testing and care, if any, is right for you. For general, whole-person ways to support your body, see Whole health.
Sources: 38 CFR §3.309(d), §3.311 · Radiation-Exposed Veterans Compensation Act of 1988 (Pub. L. 100-321) · VA radiation programs. Drafted from the government's and science's own record — VA presumptive lists (PACT Act, 38 CFR, Camp Lejeune), ATSDR ToxFAQs, IARC, and NTP. Sources are cited on every page, and this library has not yet been reviewed by a named clinician or toxicologist. This is documentation to bring to your clinician and VSO — not a diagnosis, a treatment plan, or a determination of service connection. Veterans Crisis Line: dial 988, then press 1.