McClellan Air Force Base was an United States Air Force base located near Sacramento, California. It served as a logistics and maintenance hub for various military aircraft from 1935 to 2001. The base provided support for both domestic and overseas operations, including the Korean and Vietnam Wars.
However, over the years, concerns emerged regarding potential health risks associated with serving at McClellan Air Force Base. The base was heavily contaminated with various hazardous substances due to its historical activities, including aircraft maintenance, fuel storage, and disposal of toxic materials.
Veterans who served at McClellan Air Force Base may have been exposed to heavy metals through various pathways. The base conducted aircraft maintenance activities, which involved the use of heavy metals such as lead, cadmium, and chromium in paints, primers, and coatings. These metals could have been released into the air as particulate matter during sanding or stripping processes, potentially leading to inhalation exposure. Additionally, improper disposal practices or leaks from storage containers could have resulted in soil and groundwater contamination, further increasing the risk of exposure to heavy metals.
Veterans at McClellan Air Force Base also could have been exposed to PCBs (polychlorinated biphenyls) due to the widespread use of these chemicals in various electrical equipment and transformers. PCBs were commonly used for their insulating properties. When these materials deteriorate or are improperly handled or disposed of, PCBs can leach into the environment. Veterans may have come into contact with PCB-contaminated dust or soil while working on electrical systems or being stationed near areas where PCB-containing equipment was stored or maintained. Ingestion and inhalation are primary routes of exposure for PCBs.
Exposure to these contaminants has raised concerns about the potential increased risk of certain cancers among veterans who served at McClellan Air Force Base. These cancers include:
- Leukemia: Studies have indicated a potential link between exposure to benzene (found in aviation fuels) and an increased risk of leukemia.
- Lung Cancer: Exposure to asbestos (used in building materials) and other airborne pollutants like dioxins may contribute to an elevated risk of lung cancer.
- Prostate Cancer: Some research has suggested a possible association between exposure to trichloroethylene (TCE), a common industrial solvent used at the base, and prostate cancer.
- Bladder Cancer: TCE exposure has also been studied in relation to bladder cancer development.
- Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma: Several studies have suggested an increased risk of non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma due to exposure to certain solvents and herbicides used at the base.
If you or someone you know served at McClellan Air Force Base and has concerns about their health or potential exposure-related illnesses, it is recommended to consult with a healthcare professional or reach out to the Department of Veterans Affairs for further guidance and support.