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The Spokesman-Review Newspaper
Spokane, Washington  Est. May 19, 1883

Jim Kershner’s This Day in History

» On the Web: spokesman.com/topics/local-history

From our archives, 50 years ago

A 1960 study offered complete reassurance to those living in and around Hanford: They were under no risk of radiation-related health and environmental problems.

“The atomic installation at Hanford project does not materially affect the environment of residents in the Tri-Cities or elsewhere,” said a story in The Spokesman-Review. “The fact is significant in view of rumors concerning fallout and other effects of radiation.”

The story said that the study – conducted by Hanford authorities – was vast in scope, involving tens of thousands of samples involving water, air, wildlife, plants and waste products. It also involved daily radiation checks on employees to monitor their exposure to radiation.

“Scientists agree in general that no one is damaged because Hanford is in the atomic energy business here,” the story concluded.

In light of later developments, you might say that they were looking at the issue through rose-colored safety glasses.

Also on this date

(From the Associated Press)

1940: Nylon stockings were first introduced to the public by DuPont. … 1970: Phillip Lafayette Gibbs and James Earl Green, two black students at Jackson State College in Mississippi, were killed as police opened fire during student protests.