Posted: Oct 29, 2009 02:24 AM

Updated: Oct 29, 2009 02:53 AM

PASCO, Wash. - The Department of Energy is asking former Handford employees to take advantage of a free medical screening.    The DOE teamed up with the Building Trades National Medical Screening Program in an effort to help Hanford employees.

According to the American Journal of Industrial Medicine, DOE construction workers have an increased risk of certain cancers. In fact, the most significant finding at Hanford was a very high rate of mesothelioma, a cancer of the protective lining that covers most of the body’s internal organs.

During the public meeting they discussed the options that are available to the former employees including a free medical screening. The exam includes a head to toe assessment with emphasis on the skin, lungs and neorological system. If the screening shows that their illness is work related they could be compensated with money and medical benefits.

“If anybody has been through the medical screening program and they have a finding, we encourage them to file a claim and do it soon.   And if anybody has filed a claim and they haven’t been through the former worker medical screening program that they should do so,” said Moriah Ferullo of the Department of Energy.

The exam is free and can be taken every three years.  For more information on this exam contact the Building Trades Office in Kennewick at 509-783-6830.

Source: http://www.kndo.com