Overview
- In late August an Airman at F.E. Warren AFB found residue on an AN/PRM-10 communications test kit, received medical evaluation and returned to duty with no immediate adverse effects.
- Laboratory checks confirmed the residue contained polychlorinated biphenyls, a chemical the EPA links to cancer and other long-term health harms.
- 20th Air Force completed a one-time inspection of the AN/PRM-10 inventory within three days and reported potential residue on six of eight systems, with samples now sent for further testing.
- Units in the command have stopped using AN/PRM-10 testers, are transitioning to modern PCB-free replacement testers, and are coordinating disposal and broader screening of legacy equipment.
- The action updates a multi-year Air Force review of ICBM community hazards begun under the 2023 Missile Community Cancer Study and has renewed calls for exposure records and long-term health monitoring for affected personnel.