US Air Force said its N-missile capsules were safe. But toxins lurked

A large pool of dark liquid festering on the floor. No fresh air. Asbestos readings 50 times higher than the Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) safety standards.

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These are just some of the past toxic risks that were in the underground capsules and silos where Air Force nuclear missile crews have worked since the 1960s. Now many of those members have cancer.

The toxic dangers were recorded in documents dating back to the 1980s that were obtained by AP. They tell a far different story from what Air Force leadership said, "The workplace is free of health hazards," a December 30, 2001, Air Force probe found. "Sometimes, illnesses tend to occur by chance alone," a follow-up 2005 Air Force review found.

The capsules are again under scrutiny.