Justice at Last: What the RECA Expansion Means for Sto. Louis Families
July 18, 2025
📢 Justice at Last: What the RECA Expansion Means for St. Louis Families
For decades, families in North St. Louis and surrounding areas have lived with the lingering effects of radioactive waste — illnesses, unanswered questions, and rising medical costs. But in July 2025, a long-overdue step toward justice was finally taken.
The federal government officially reauthorized and expanded the Radiation Exposure Compensation Act (RECA)
— and for the first time, parts of Missouri are included.
🏡 What Is RECA?
RECA was first passed in 1990 to compensate people exposed to nuclear fallout and uranium-related work. Historically, it helped those in western states, but now it’s finally recognizing the suffering of Missourians
— especially those impacted by Coldwater Creek, West Lake Landfill, and the radioactive waste stored near Lambert Field.
📍 Who Qualifies in Missouri?
If you lived, worked, went to school, or spent significant time in specific ZIP codes in St. Louis City, St. Louis County, or St. Charles County
for at least two years, and you’ve developed one of 20 eligible cancers, you may be entitled to compensation.
✔️ Up to $50,000
for individuals
✔️ Up to $25,000
for surviving family members of eligible deceased loved ones
Some ZIP codes include: 63114, 63134, 63138, 63031, 63033, and parts of 63301 — but the full list includes 21 ZIP codes, so it’s worth checking.
🩺 What Illnesses Are Covered?
Covered cancers include (but are not limited to):
Leukemia (with timing restrictions)
Breast, colon, lung, thyroid, stomach, pancreas, liver, brain, and bladder cancer
Lymphomas, multiple myeloma, and others
These conditions are tied to exposure from the Cold War-era radioactive materials mishandled in Missouri communities.
📝 What You Should Do Next
We recommend taking these steps now:
1. ✅ Check your ZIP code
— Is your area part of the 21 covered ZIPs?
2. ✅ Document your residency — Utility bills, school records, voter registrations, etc.
3. ✅ Gather medical records — Oncology reports or death certificates if claiming on behalf of a loved one.
4. ✅ Stay informed — The Department of Justice will soon publish filing instructions at justice.gov/civil/common/reca.
5. ✅ Connect locally — Advocacy groups like Just Moms STL can help guide you.
2. ✅ Document your residency — Utility bills, school records, voter registrations, etc.
3. ✅ Gather medical records — Oncology reports or death certificates if claiming on behalf of a loved one.
4. ✅ Stay informed — The Department of Justice will soon publish filing instructions at justice.gov/civil/common/reca.
5. ✅ Connect locally — Advocacy groups like Just Moms STL can help guide you.
🤝 Why This Matters
This isn’t just a policy update — it’s a recognition of the pain so many Missouri families have carried for generations. It’s a chance to gain not only financial relief,
but also validation
that the illnesses, the losses, and the fears were real.
Together, we can spread the word so every eligible resident gets the support they deserve.
Need Help?
Reply to this post, contact local support groups, or message us for a copy of our Step-by-Step RECA Guide for Missouri Claimants.
🕊️ Justice delayed doesn't have to mean justice denied.
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