The former George Air Force Base in California has been abandoned for 32 years after being decommissioned by the government in 1992 due to environmental concerns. The base, established during World War II, was found to have released contaminants into the soil and groundwater, potentially impacting human health and the environment. The area, once bustling with housing complexes, medical buildings, and recreational facilities, is now a desolate wasteland covered in debris, graffiti, and broken infrastructure.
Newly surfaced footage of the base shows the extent of the damage, with shattered windows, broken doors, caved-in ceilings, and destroyed walls. The content creator exploring the area expressed concerns about asbestos exposure and avoided going into areas that may pose a risk. Many former residents and workers at the base, as well as those living nearby, have reported a variety of health issues believed to be linked to the toxic exposure, including cancer, heart disease, miscarriages, and infertility.
Former airman Frank Vera, who was diagnosed with radiation exposure and suffered various medical problems, spoke out about the need to bring attention to the hazardous conditions at the former base. He and others who believe their health was put at risk have tried to hold the federal government accountable for the health issues they have faced. However, lawsuits against the government were dismissed due to “sovereign immunity,” preventing the former residents and workers from seeking legal redress for their medical problems.
The George Air Force Base was designated a Superfund site in 1990, leading to its closure in 1992. The site was found to be contaminated with 33 hazardous and radioactive chemicals, including jet fuel and trichloroethylene. The cleanup efforts by the EPA are ongoing, with plans to address the contamination until at least 2077. Despite the visible and documented health risks associated with the base, the federal government has faced challenges in holding accountable for the harm caused to those who were exposed to toxic chemicals.
The former airman Frank Vera manages a Facebook group and website dedicated to raising awareness about the health risks associated with the toxic exposure at George Air Force Base. He has been contacted by over 1,500 people, including at least 300 women who reported miscarriages and other reproductive health issues. Reports indicate that air force doctors advised women to avoid getting pregnant while stationed at the base, further highlighting the extent of the health risks associated with the toxic chemicals present in the environment.
The footage of the abandoned George Air Force Base serves as a poignant reminder of the potential consequences of environmental contamination on human health. As former residents and workers continue to suffer from various medical issues believed to be linked to their time at the base, the EPA’s ongoing cleanup efforts are crucial in mitigating the long-term impact of the hazardous exposure. While legal challenges have hindered accountability, the need to address the toxic legacy of the base remains a pressing issue for those affected by the environmental contamination.
