The United States Air Force is intensifying its investigation into whether military personnel who worked with nuclear missiles have experienced abnormally high rates of cancer. After an initial review, it was determined that a more comprehensive examination is necessary to assess the situation. The study was initiated in response to reports of illnesses among individuals who served in this capacity. While the Air Force has not yet made the initial cancer findings public, it announced on Monday that further review is warranted. This development is part of a larger effort to understand if missileers, the officers responsible for operating the nation’s silo-launched nuclear missiles, were exposed to hazardous substances.
The investigation was prompted by numerous current and former missile launch officers who came forward this year with cancer diagnoses. In response, medical teams were dispatched to each of the three nuclear missile bases in Montana, North Dakota, and Wyoming to conduct extensive testing of the air, water, soil, and surfaces within and around the bases. So far, no harmful levels of contamination have been detected in over 2,000 samples taken from the Montana and Wyoming bases. However, unsafe levels of polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) were found in four locations within the underground launch control capsules where the missileers worked. PCBs are substances that have been identified as potential carcinogens.
While the current testing indicates that the air, water, and soil are safe, concerns remain regarding past exposure for earlier missile launch officers. The infrastructure of the silos and underground control capsules dates back to the 1960s and has not been updated significantly since then. Therefore, it is challenging to fully assess the risks faced by previous members of the missile community. However, the data collected from the current investigation will help build a risk profile of potential past exposures.
To ensure a comprehensive understanding of the issue, the Air Force is expanding its review of medical records. The initial dataset only covers personnel from 2001 onwards when electronic medical records were implemented. However, the study aims to include individuals who worked with military nuclear missiles dating back to 1976 by incorporating data from the Department of Veterans Affairs and state cancer registries. Ultimately, the investigation seeks to capture data on all missile community members who served between 1976 and 2010.
This heightened response from the Air Force marks a significant shift in how the Department of Defense and Department of Veterans Affairs address the issue of exposure to toxic contaminants in military occupations. Grassroots efforts, such as the Torchlight Initiative formed by affected families, have played a crucial role in raising awareness about the disproportionate rates of cancer among missile launch officers. The Air Force’s increased focus on this issue is also driven by the fact that some of the diagnosed officers are still serving, and current missile community leaders have personal connections to individuals affected by cancer.
While the findings from the air, water, and soil testing provide some reassurance, the presence of unsafe PCB levels raises concerns within the missile community. The Air Force acknowledges the need for appropriate exposure documentation to ensure affected individuals receive the necessary care. This comprehensive investigation reflects a commitment to understanding and addressing the potential health risks faced by service members who worked with nuclear missiles.
