Colonel John Anderson, a current missileer stationed at a nuclear missile facility in Wyoming. "But I trust that the Air Force is doing everything they can to ensure our safety."

However, the newly obtained documents paint a disturbing picture of the working conditions that these missile crews have endured for decades. The dark liquid pooling on the floor, emitting a putrid odor, is just one example of the hazardous environment they have been exposed to. The fishy-smelling gel oozing from overheated computer displays adds another layer of toxicity to an already dangerous workplace.

Perhaps most alarming are the asbestos readings that were found to be 50 times higher than the safety standards set by the Environmental Protection Agency. Asbestos, a known carcinogen, has been linked to various types of cancers, including lung cancer and mesothelioma. The fact that these missile crews have been subjected to such high levels of asbestos exposure is deeply concerning.

The Air Force's response to the reports of cancer among service members is also raising eyebrows. The investigation conducted in 2001, which claimed that the workplace was free of health hazards, seems to contradict the evidence found in the recently obtained documents. The follow-up review in 2005, which suggested that illnesses occur by chance alone, further undermines the credibility of the Air Force's previous statements.

With the recent surge in cancer diagnoses among current and former missileers, the Air Force has finally launched a comprehensive review of the facilities. Thousands of air, water, soil, and surface samples have been tested, revealing unsafe levels of polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) in four current samples. PCBs are known carcinogens commonly used in electrical wiring, further confirming the presence of toxic dangers in these underground capsules and silos.

The Air Force is expected to release more data in early 2024, shedding light on the extent of the cancer cases within the missile community. While some missileers express concerns over the new reports, they also express confidence in the Air Force's transparency and commitment to identifying and addressing the toxic dangers. Many continue to follow the longstanding tradition of wearing "capsule clothes," which are changed into once inside the capsule for their 24-hour shift. These clothes, often smelling metallic after a shift, are promptly laundered to minimize exposure to any potential contaminants.

Lieutenant Colonel Anderson's sentiments reflect the mixed emotions among missileers. While the word “cancer” is undeniably concerning, there is a glimmer of hope that the Air Force's current efforts will lead to a safer working environment for future generations of missile crews. The final count of service members affected by cancer is yet to be determined, but the urgency to address the toxic risks is now undeniable.