This week we're examining the decommissioned Hanford Nuclear Site near the Tri-Cities.

At one time, it produced about two thirds of the country's plutonium.

Reporter Lizz Giordano explains the illnesses workers have faced both during production and now during cleanup.

-Dr.

Tim Takaro began treating Hanford workers in the early 1990s.

-The hazards at Hanford include some of the most toxic substances on the planet.

Back in the 50s and 60s there was a lot of corners cut because the emphasis was on plutonium production, and not so much on worker health and safety.

-The illnesses he saw most were asbestos related cancers and beryllium disease.

Beryllium was used to cap nuclear fuel rods and for tools.

Cleaning up and tearing down buildings kicks up beryllium dust and when inhaled, can scar the lungs.

Takaro also treated workers with neurological conditions caused by exposure to chemicals.

-There's really no treatment.

You try to manage the symptoms.

This is one of the most toxic places on the planet, and they have an incredibly difficult task managing these wastes.

And they deserve protection.

-But for years, sick Hanford worker Lonnie Rouse said workers didn't know how high the risks were.

-I'm mad, angry because we were told there wasn't any dangers, when in fact there was a lot of dangers.

-A Department of Energy spokesperson said in a statement that the agency is committed to worker safety and follows all relevant laws.

I'm Lizz Giordano, Cascade PBS.

-Next time, we explain the push to make it easier for Hanford workers to receive worker's compensation.

I'm Paris Jackson.

Thanks for watching The Newsfeed.