Water Samples Reveal PCB Contamination At Nuclear Missile Base Connected To Cancer Diagnoses
Water samples have revealed unsafe levels of carcinogenic contaminants at a military installation where a startling number of people have been diagnosed with cancer.
“A team of experts found that levels of polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) at two facilities at the Malmstrom Air Force Base in Montana were above thresholds recommended by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA),” The Hill reported. “According to the agency, PCBs are … labeled as likely carcinogens.”
Following the revelation, the military has ordered a cleanup of the contaminants at the nuclear missile facility, but it seems likely that they have already taken a massive health toll.
“The military began looking into possible carcinogens at the Montana base … after nine military officers who had worked there decades ago reported that they were diagnosed with blood cancer,” according to The Hill. “Since January (2023), more than 30 other blood cancer cases at Malmstrom and other bases have also been made public.”
As it becomes clear that those living or working near such facilities are being diagnosed with cancer at an alarming rate, the Air Force is planning to expand such testing to similar bases nationwide. While the PCB contamination does not seem limited to drinking water or source water, water sampling and analysis will likely be a critical aspect of ongoing tests.
“The Air Force said the Malmstrom results are the first of a widespread sampling of intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) bases across the country, with the goal … to address the missile community’s cancer-related concerns,” per Business Insider. “There are still results pending from air and water samples from all three.”
The connection between PCB contamination and acute health problems adds to a troubling legacy for the military, which has struggled with drinking water and wastewater contamination problems that sicken service members, their families and nearby residents. A recent investigation found that more than 650 military sites have been contaminated with per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS). The Navy has come under fire for Clean Water Act violations following wastewater treatment issues near Pearl Harbor and for drinking water quality issues aboard its aircraft carriers. And drinking water problems at Camp Lejeune’s marine base may soon lead to $21 billion in victim compensation.
“US Service members have been exposed to cancer-causing agents in a wide range of settings — both at home and overseas,” Business Insider reported.
To read more about how water systems address harmful chemicals, visit Water Online’s Drinking Water Contaminant Removal Solutions Center.