Decades of secrecy and hidden experimentation by the United States Military in St. Louis, Missouri, have recently come to light, revealing disturbing details of how citizens were exposed to radioactive compounds without their knowledge. Professor Lisa Martino-Taylor, a sociologist at St. Louis Community College, has unearthed evidence suggesting that alongside the ‘harmless’ zinc cadmium silfide particles sprayed over the population, a radioactive element was also part of the mix.
The experiments, conducted as part of the Manhattan-Rochester Coalition, targeted predominantly low-income and minority communities, raising ethical concerns about the military’s actions. Despite the government’s assurance that the compound was safe, Martino-Taylor’s research indicates a different reality. She has collected photographs and detailed accounts of the spraying, shedding light on the extent of the exposure endured by unsuspecting residents.
The method of dispersal varied, with chemicals dropped from airplanes over large areas in Corpus Christi and sprayers mounted on buildings and vehicles in St. Louis. Local authorities were kept in the dark about the true nature of the testing, being told it was for smoke screens to protect against potential attacks, a deceptive tactic that Martino-Taylor finds deeply troubling.
The most heavily affected area was the Pruitt-Igoe public housing complex, home to thousands of low-income residents, including a significant number of children. Martino-Taylor’s investigation was prompted by reports of increased cancers among residents during the testing period, highlighting the potential health risks associated with such experiments.
The use of radioactive compounds without informed consent raises serious ethical questions about medical ethics, international codes, and military policies at the time. Martino-Taylor’s findings have spurred calls for accountability and transparency from Missouri lawmakers, urging the Army to disclose more information about the tests and their potential long-term health impacts on those exposed.
The revelation of these secret experiments underscores the need for greater oversight and ethical considerations in scientific and military research, emphasizing the importance of informed consent and the protection of human subjects in any experimentation or testing.