Sat Sep 28 23:35:33 UTC 2024: ## Abandoned California Air Force Base: A Toxic Legacy Haunts Thousands

**Victorville, California** – A chilling glimpse into the past has emerged, revealing the dilapidated remains of George Air Force Base, abandoned for over three decades and left to decay. The base, once a bustling hub of military activity, is now a desolate wasteland, riddled with debris, graffiti, and broken structures. This forgotten site, however, carries a dark secret: a history of toxic chemical contamination that continues to affect the health of thousands.

Established during World War II, George Air Force Base was decommissioned in 1992 after the EPA discovered widespread contamination of the soil and groundwater with hazardous chemicals, including jet fuel and trichloroethylene. The base was designated a Superfund site in 1990, highlighting the severity of the contamination.

Since the closure, countless former residents and workers have reported experiencing a range of medical issues they attribute to their exposure to these toxic substances. These include cancer, heart disease, miscarriages, and infertility. Frank Vera, a former airman, spoke out about his own struggles with radiation exposure, seizures, and other chronic conditions, stating, “We did not agree to be needlessly poisoned.”

The base, which spanned over 5,347 acres, is estimated to have exposed hundreds of thousands of people to these hazardous chemicals, with reports of over 1,500 individuals contacting Vera, including 300 women who experienced miscarriages. Air Force doctors are also said to have advised women stationed at the base to avoid pregnancy.

In 2020, a group of 51 plaintiffs, including Vera, attempted to sue the federal government, alleging the contamination led to their health problems. However, their lawsuit was dismissed due to the government’s “sovereign immunity.”

The EPA has undertaken a cleanup effort at the site, but the process is expected to continue until at least 2077. The long-term effects of the contamination on the surrounding environment and the health of those exposed remain a pressing concern.

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