AP Investigation: Toxins Lurked in Nuclear Missile Capsules

In this August 2023 photo provided by the U.S. Air Force, two missile launch officers, Lt. Sam McGlinchey, 28, front, and Lt. Joy Hawkins, 23, finish a 24-hour underground shift at a launch control center at Malmstrom Air Force Base. This image provided by the U.S. Air Force shows the original underground launch capsules where missileers still spend 24 to 48 hours sitting alert duty. Portions of Air Force Capt. Jason Jenness' uniform are displayed on a table during an interview with the Associated Press in Missoula, Mont., on Aug., 26, 2023.

A large pool of dark liquid festering on the floor. No fresh air. Computer displays that would overheat and ooze out a fishy-smelling gel that nauseated the crew. Asbestos readings 50 times higher than the Environmental Protection Agency's safety standards.