Radioactive Bombshell: Plutonium Contamination Discovered at San Francisco's Former Naval Shipyard

In a concerning development, San Francisco officials have learned that dangerous levels of radiation were detected at the city's former Hunters Point Naval Shipyard nearly a year ago, but the information was not shared with them until last month.

According to the report, air filters at the decommissioned shipyard revealed plutonium contamination in November 2024. The radiation levels were found to be more than twice the Environmental Protection Agency's 'action level,' the threshold requiring immediate safety measures.

However, the San Francisco Department of Public Health only became aware of the alarming discovery in October 2025, nearly a year after the initial detection. In a strongly worded letter, the city's Health Officer, Dr. Susan Philip, accused federal officials of failing to alert the local authorities in a timely manner, undermining the city's ability to safeguard public health and maintain transparency.

The revelation has sparked outrage and fear in a community long haunted by the toxic legacy of the Hunters Point site. The former naval repair facility and radiation testing ground was shuttered in 1974, but cleanup efforts have been plagued by scandals and persistent health concerns among nearby residents.

Experts warn that the radioactive isotope Pu-239, with a half-life of over 24,000 years, can pose serious risks if inhaled or ingested. The discovery of plutonium contamination in an air filter is particularly concerning, as it can potentially expose workers and residents to the hazardous material.

San Francisco officials are now demanding a clear explanation from the Navy as to why the information was withheld for so long, denying the city the opportunity to take necessary measures to protect the community.