Attention A T users. To access the menus on this page please perform the following steps. 1. Please switch auto forms mode to off. 2. Hit enter to expand a main menu option (Health, Benefits, etc). 3. To enter and activate the submenu links, hit the down arrow. You will now be able to tab or arrow up or down through the submenu options to access/activate the submenu links.

Public Health

Menu
Menu
Quick Links
Veterans Crisis Line Badge
My healthevet badge
 

Radiation Exposure at McMurdo Station Antarctica

View of McMurdo Station with Coast Guard icebreaker

McMurdo Station, Antarctica
Department of Defense

As a part of Operation Deep Freeze, the U.S. Navy operated a small nuclear power plant at the McMurdo Station, Antarctica, from 1962 to 1979.

The nuclear plant was decommissioned after a leak was discovered.

Potential health risks

The estimated radiation doses for Veterans at McMurdo Station are low. The risk of diseases from this exposure are also low. Read the dose assessment reports from the Department of Defense to learn more:

Although the risk of disease is low, VA recognizes certain cancers and other diseases as linked to exposure to ionizing radiation during service. Eligibility for VA compensation depends on a number of factors, such as the radiation dose and when the disease develops.

Health concerns?

If you are concerned about radiation exposure during service, talk to your health care provider or local VA Environmental Health Coordinator.

Veterans not enrolled in the VA health care system, find out if you qualify for VA health care.

Need help determining exposure?

VA can help determine exposure during service after you file a claim for compensation benefits for health problems associated with radiation exposure during service.

Environmental health coordinators directory
Find out if you’re eligible: Health Benefits Explorer

Contact

Health Care
877-222-8387

Benefits
800-827-1000

TDD (Hearing Impaired)
800-829-4833