Military installations abroad occasionally pose risks due to factors such as environmental pollution, exemplified by burn pits. Throughout the War on Terror, numerous personnel faced the development of cancer and other health ailments subsequent to their deployments in Afghanistan and Iraq, largely attributed to environmental pollutants. In contrast, bases situated within the United States typically do not encounter identical hazards as those overseas. However, an exception seems to exist in Montana, challenging this generalization.
Air Force Global Strike Command made public on August 7th that hazardous levels of carcinogenic substances were identified at a nuclear missile base in Montana. The disclosure mentioned that the military conducted thorough testing of operational U.S. intercontinental ballistic missile sites, prompted by cancer-related apprehensions within the missile community. A portion of the samples analyzed originated from two specific installations situated at Malmstrom Air Force Base in Montana.
Certain samples obtained from Malmstrom Air Force Base exhibited polychlorinated biphenyl (PCB) concentrations surpassing the threshold advised by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). The Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR) characterizes PCBs as solids or oily liquids, capable of existing in the air without any discernible odor or flavor. The production of PCBs within the United States was halted in 1977 due to mounting evidence indicating their potential to induce detrimental health consequences.
General Thomas Bussiere, the leader of the Air Force Global Strike Command, directed the initiation of immediate actions to commence the cleanup procedure for the affected installations and reduce exposure for both Guardians and airmen.
On August 8th, Senator Jon Tester (D-MT) issued a statement urging the Defense Department to promptly address the findings outlined in the report regarding the presence of hazardous carcinogens at the base. He expressed his profound concern over the Air Force’s recent study that unveiled the issues at Malmstrom. Emphasizing the vital role played by the missile operators stationed at these facilities in safeguarding Montana and the nation, he underscored his desire for those affected to receive comprehensive explanations from the government.
The Torchlight Initiative, an independent organization, monitors the elevated occurrences of cancer and various ailments observed among individuals involved in the maintenance, protection, operation, or support of missile installations. The organization has identified a minimum of 268 personnel who served at these sites and subsequently encountered blood disorders, cancer, and other health complications.
In February, The Washington Post covered some of these instances. Air Force Major Mark Holmes was one of the servicemembers stationed at one such facility. Afterward, he was diagnosed with Stage 4 non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma. Tragically, he passed away in 2020 at the age of 37. The newspaper documented 30 cases of cancer linked to Malmstrom Air Force Base.
