4. Mustard Gas Tests

During World War II, the U.S. exposed more than 60,000 sailors to mustard gas in order to develop defenses against a potential chemical attack. Test subjects were administered liquid-gas patches, covered with the agent in combat simulations, or locked into wooden chambers where the gas was released.

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Some gave chilling accounts of men hollering while trying to escape the gas chambers. Many described exposure as being set on fire.

Mustard gas can lead to potentially-lethal diseases like leukemia and skin cancer. Because test subjects were sworn to secrecy, they couldn’t discuss the tests with medical professionals for decades.

Even after the program was declassified in 1993, subjects are still struggling to secure proper medical benefits from the Department of Veterans Affairs.

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