I lived in New Cumberland Pa. when the accident occurred. I was 23 years old and married for two years. My siblings were five, six, and seven years younger than me.
My father worked in the radiology department of Polyclinic Hospital. Due to uncertainty of what was happening, my parents and husband decided it would be best for me to leave the area with my younger siblings. I agreed also because I was trying to start a family of my own and at the time of the accident I was unsure if I was pregnant.
our lives can be uprooted in an instant
My husband hooked up our motorhome and set us up in a campground in Gettysburg. He and my parents decided to stay behind but readied themselves to quickly leave if the need should arise.
My father, along with some radiologist, went out around the local area with some equipment measuring the atmosphere to detect any high levels of radiation in the area. Daily conversations with my father quelled my fears but I decided to stay away for about a week just to be sure.
I became pregnant 3 months after the accident and my son was born on the one year anniversary of the TMI accident. During my son’s first year of life, a study was conducted (I don’t remember what government agency) whereby someone visited us several times throughout the year inquiring with in depth questions about his and my health. We did not receive any formal closure or documentation about the study when it ended. To my knowledge there was no adverse effect to my pregnancy and/or my and my son’s health as a result of the accident. I can say, however, the incident did frighten me very much and gave me and my family members cause for increased awareness as to how easily our lives can be uprooted in an instant.
All of us went on with our lives after the incident without any significant residual issues.
Linda