If the Air Force follows through on its plan to base the new F-35 fighter-bomber at Burlington, Vermont’s commercial airport in the most densely populated area of the state, 1,500 children will be at risk for damaging health effects. Of the children exposed, 50%can be expected to suffer cognitive impairment with life-long consequences, according to the World Health Organization. The Air Force’s own Environmental Impact Statement says their homes will be made unsuitable for residential use, but there is no plan to relocate or compensate the families

These children, along with thousands of other Vermonters, will also be exposed to the risk of a major toxicity disaster. All new fighter jets have high accident rates and crashes typically occur on takeoff or landing near airports. In the event of a crash in Burlington, burning composite materials and stealth coatings of the F-35 will release lethal gases and toxic fibers into residential neighborhoods. The fire would last for days because there is no known method to quickly extinguish fires of composite materials. Toxic clouds would then spread for miles, contaminating Vermont's most populous region. The F-35 is currently so untested that it has no established safety record.

Tell the United States Air Force to stop using Vermont’s children as guinea pigs!