Lawyers for U.S. sailors suffering illnesses associated with radiation exposure from the Fukushima nuclear catastrophe presented oral arguments before the 9th circuit court in Pasadena, CA in September. This follows two victories before the district federal court in San Diego, CA and two legal appeals by TEPCO who is being sued for compensation in this first-of-its-kind case. Determination in this case is expected within 60 days.

Sailors' illnesses include leukemia, ulcers, gall bladder removal, brain cancers and tumors, testicular cancers, thyroid illnesses, stomach complaints, dysfunctional uterine bleeding, and still births and birth defects among their children. Seven people have already died including a child who was riddled with tumors. Currently, 400 sailors are in the lawsuit and additional plantiffs continue coming forward. For wonderful video and audio coverage of the sailors' plight, see EON and Nuclear Hotseat.  More