An alarming investigation has uncovered that the United States Army conducted secret Cold War experiments, spraying potentially cancer-causing 'forever chemicals' directly over American neighbourhoods, with residents remaining completely unaware of the dangers for decades.
The tests, which ran from the 1940s through the 1970s, were designed to simulate biological warfare attacks and test the country's preparedness. The Army has now admitted to using potentially harmful substances, including zinc cadmium sulfide and what are now known as toxic per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS).
A Toxic Legacy Revealed
Known as 'forever chemicals' due to their persistence in the environment and the human body, PFAS have since been linked to a horrifying range of health issues. These include kidney and testicular cancer, thyroid disease, immune system damage, developmental problems in children, and increased cholesterol levels.
The revelation came to light following a massive, years-long investigation by environmental activist and poet Callie Lyons. Her findings paint a picture of a massive, covert operation that placed thousands of citizens at risk without their knowledge or consent.
From Minnesota to the World
One of the most extensive testing grounds was in Minnesota, where the Army sprayed copious amounts of zinc cadmium sulfide over a vast 46,000-square-mile area, including the city of Minneapolis. The chemical was dispersed from airplanes and ground-based machines in an operation so large it was dubbed 'the big spray.'
While the Army has long claimed the chemical was safe, Lyons's investigation and subsequent water testing tell a different story. "It's in the water," she stated, revealing that the toxic legacy of these experiments is still present today.
A Pattern of Secrecy and Suffering
This is not an isolated incident. The report draws parallels to other infamous testing programmes, such as the 'Operation LAC' experiments and the spraying of serratia marcescens over San Francisco, which many believe led to a deadly outbreak of pneumonia.
The story follows a familiar and disturbing pattern: secret government testing, followed by decades of denial, and culminating in a wave of severe health problems among exposed populations who were never warned of the dangers they faced.
The Fight for Accountability
Today, communities are still grappling with the consequences. The fight for clean water, comprehensive health studies, and official accountability continues. This investigation raises urgent questions about the ethics of military testing on civilian populations and the long-term environmental and health costs of such covert operations.
