Summary:
U.S. nuclear missile workers, particularly those stationed at Minuteman III launch control centers, are reporting higher instances of cancer, specifically non-Hodgkin lymphoma. Former service members like Capt. Monte Watts and Lt. Col. Danny Sebeck have raised concerns about potential carcinogenic exposures, including polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), in their workplaces. The Air Force has launched an investigation into cancer rates and environmental conditions at missile bases, with findings expected by the end of 2025. Advocates are pushing for recognition of these illnesses as service-related to expedite veteran benefits.
What This Means for You:
- If you or a loved one served in nuclear missile operations, monitor health closely and consider screening for cancers linked to occupational exposures.
- Stay informed about the Air Force’s ongoing cancer study and its findings, which may impact eligibility for VA health care and disability benefits.
- Advocate for stricter safety protocols and environmental monitoring in military workplaces to reduce future health risks.
- Be aware of legislative efforts, such as amendments to the PACT Act, that could provide additional support for affected veterans.
Nuclear missile workers are contracting cancer: They blame the bases
At a memorial service in 2022, veteran Air Force Capt. Monte Watts learned of a fellow Minuteman III nuclear missile operator’s battle with non-Hodgkin lymphoma. Soon after, Watts himself was diagnosed with chronic lymphocytic leukemia, deepening suspicions of a cancer cluster among missileers stationed at Malmstrom Air Force Base in Montana.
Lt. Col. Danny Sebeck, a former missileer, identified 36 cases of cancer among former workers, including 11 with non-Hodgkin lymphoma. The Air Force launched an investigation into cancer rates and environmental conditions at missile bases, with findings expected by the end of 2025. Advocates, however, worry the study may not definitively link illnesses to military service, hindering access to VA benefits.
PCBs, banned since 1979 but once used in missile control components, are a primary concern. The Air Force’s Missile Community Cancer Study is comparing cancer rates in the missile community to the general population, with preliminary findings showing no statistically elevated cancer deaths among missileers. However, advocates argue that exposures to PCBs, benzene, and other contaminants must be addressed.
Watts and Sebeck, supported by the Torchlight Initiative, are pushing for Congress to include missileers in the PACT Act, which provides benefits for veterans exposed to pollutants. Legislative efforts, including a bipartisan amendment for an independent review of base conditions, are underway to ensure transparency and accountability in the Air Force’s investigation.
Extra Information:
Department of Veterans Affairs: Resources for veterans seeking health care and disability benefits related to military exposures. EPA on PCBs: Information on the health risks of polychlorinated biphenyls and their regulation. National Cancer Institute: Overview of non-Hodgkin lymphoma, its causes, and treatment options.
People Also Ask About:
- What are the health risks of PCBs? PCBs are toxic and likely carcinogenic, linked to cancers like non-Hodgkin lymphoma.
- How can veterans prove their illness is service-related? Veterans can file claims with the VA, providing medical and service records as evidence.
- What is the PACT Act? The PACT Act mandates health care and benefits for veterans exposed to burn pits and other pollutants.
- What is the Air Force’s Missile Community Cancer Study? It’s an investigation into cancer rates among missile personnel and environmental conditions at missile bases.
Expert Opinion:
This issue underscores the need for rigorous monitoring of hazardous exposures in military operations. Recognizing these illnesses as service-related is critical to ensuring veterans receive the care and benefits they deserve.
Key Terms:
- Minuteman III nuclear missile cancer risks
- Polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) exposure
- Malmstrom Air Force Base cancer cluster
- VA benefits for veterans with cancer
- Air Force Missile Community Cancer Study
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