Palomares
Almería, Spain · Europe
Site of a 1966 aircraft accident that released plutonium; VA recognizes it as a radiation-risk activity.
StratForge Group is an independent service and is not affiliated with or endorsed by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs or Department of Defense. Information in the Military Toxic Exposure Map is provided for research and educational purposes. The presence of a contaminant or environmental hazard at a military installation does not establish that an individual veteran was exposed or that a medical condition is service connected. Veterans should review the cited government sources and their individual service and medical records.
Documented hazards
Plutonium contamination following a 1966 B-52 accident
- Documented period
- January 17, 1966 – March 31, 1967
- Potential exposure pathways
- Soil, Air, Occupational handling
What is documented
A mid-air collision scattered nuclear weapon material over Palomares. U.S. personnel conducted recovery and decontamination operations.
VA radiation-risk activity (location and period specific)
VA recognizes onsite participation in the Palomares cleanup from January 17, 1966 to March 31, 1967 as a radiation-risk activity. Confirm current criteria with VA.
VA presumptive informationCompare my service dates
Enter the years you were stationed at Palomares. StratForge compares your dates with the documented activity periods above.