DiscoverBay CuriousWhen Biological Weapons Were Secretly Tested in San Francisco
When Biological Weapons Were Secretly Tested in San Francisco

When Biological Weapons Were Secretly Tested in San Francisco

Update: 2025-11-06
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Description

In 1950, the U.S. military sprayed bacteria over San Francisco as part of a biological weapons test. The test team thought the bacteria it used was harmless, but several people got sick and one person died. We explore the history and impacts of this clandestine operation, now known as Operation Seaspray, on U.S. military policy and one man's family.




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This story was reported by Katherine Monahan. Bay Curious is made by Katrina Schwartz, Gabriela Glueck and Christopher Beale. Additional support from Olivia Allen-Price, Jen Chien, Katie Sprenger, Maha Sanad, Alana Walker, Holly Kernan and everyone on Team KQED.

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When Biological Weapons Were Secretly Tested in San Francisco

When Biological Weapons Were Secretly Tested in San Francisco

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