Effects of Toxicity In Former US Bases

PAMPANGA, PHILIPPINES - MAY 30 : Diane Liwanag, 12, is bathed by her mother May 30, 2006 inside her family's home at the Mauaque resettlement site in Pampanga, Philippines. Diane is diagnosed with cerebral palsy. She was conceived and born at the Clark Airbase Communications Command (CABCOM), where her family was relocated after ashfall from the Mt. Pintaubo volcano eruption left their home in ruins. Diane cannot walk or talk. Her mother Angelina Leng Liwanag feeds, bathes and meets her other needs. She quit her job after Diane was born. Leng, who used to work as a laundrywoman and a maid to support her family, is constantly by Diane's side. Diane's father is deceased. Leng has no other source of income except for some contributions she gets from her eldest daughter Ingga. Ingga sends money from her job as a machine operator at a company in the Clark Industrial zone. Leng's devotion sometimes results in frustration when her maternal instincts gets trumped by her desire to work or even rest. A toxicology exam performed when Diane was 9 indicated that she still had elevated levels of lead in her system. Diane is among the significant number of children conceived and born in CABCOM who is said to be among the victims of the improper disposal of toxic waste material at the base. (Photo by Marvi Lacar/Getty Images)