Vieques Women Claim Navy's Toxins Destroy Health

[Lost-in-FL]

The U.S. Navy ceased bombing practice on Vieques, Puerto Rico, in May 2003, but female activists say the military left health troubles behind. They are leading a push for more research and compensation from the government.

Viequens have elevated risks of asthma (16 percent higher than mainland Puerto Rico); cancer (27 percent); diabetes (28 percent); and heart disease (31 percent), according to the Puerto Rico Department of Health. Residents are also more likely to have hypertension, skin problems, infertility and low birth weight.

"Virtually everyone on this island is sick or has a friend or relative who is," says Navedo, whose family members have suffered from lupus, diabetes, and cancer and who has herself battled preeclampsia, lupus, fibroids, fibromyalgia, thyroid cancer, and heart disease.

"Every month, two or three more of us die," says Navedo, one of 100 residents of Vieques, Puerto Rico, who are seeking compensation from the U.S. Navy for health problems they blame on its 60-year use of the island for bombing practice.

http://womensenews.org/article.cfm/dyn/aid/3091

[EFerrari]

1. LinkTv ran a great documentary about this issue. About how

the Navy has poisoned Vieques and how the community has organized protests. Un crimen.