As of 2019, the Department of Defense is looking at 651 military installations that may have been exposed to per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) during training exercises or simply taking a shower. According to research, exposure to PFAS can hurt the health of both humans and animals.
When the department has confirmed the quantity and locations, he said, it will name the affected facilities, so if you’re wondering about the military sites that have been contaminated with PFAS, you may have to wait until the department provides a more detailed list.
A Closer Look at PFAS Pollution Stats
Moreover, according to Robert McMahon, Assistant Secretary of Defense for Sustainment, more sites, including National Guard installations, have been found due to ongoing Department of Defense efforts to identify areas with potentially hazardous amounts of PFAS chemicals.
Some of the known affected locations are:
- Fort Hood, Texas
- The Naval Air Warfare Center in Warminster, PA
- Fort Bragg, NC
- U.S. Military Academy at West Point, NY
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What Are PFAS Chemicals?
PFAS chemicals are a man-made or synthetic group of chemicals. They may be long-chain (which typically causes what is referred to as legacy PFAS contamination) or short-chain. However, both show similar levels of toxicity.
Why Is PFAS Contamination a Concern?
The fact that PFAS substances are referred to as “forever chemicals” is one of the factors contributing to their controversy. According to the Environmental Protection Agency, PFAS compounds are particularly resistant to degradation due to their chemical nature.
While this characteristic makes them perfect for non-stick coatings and Teflon, remediation efforts are extremely difficult.
People in military bases and nearby areas may consume PFAS in a number of ways, including through contaminated water sources. Unfortunately, PFAS exposure can cause several health problems.
How Did These Military Sites Become Contaminated with PFAS?
Aqueous film-forming foam (AFFF), a type of firefighting foam created by the Defense Department in the 60s and initially mandated by the Marine Corps and the Navy in 1967, is the main source of PFAS in military areas.
PFAS Can Break Down to Form More Hazardous Substances
In addition to containing PFOS, AFFF can degrade into PFOA and other hazardous PFAS substances.
Contamination of Drinking Water
People are exposed to PFAS chemicals in drinking water, contaminated soil, and other sources at military sites.
PFAS Exposure at Military Sites Is No New Finding
According to the Environmental Working Group, several sites with the highest PFAS detections in the country are military facilities or close by. PFAS was detected at 14 locations with over 1 million parts per trillion, much higher than the 70 ppt EPA guideline standard.
PFAS Investigation Done in the 70s
Since tests by the Navy and Air Force first revealed that aqueous film forming foam (AFFF) was hazardous to fish in the early 1970s, Pentagon authorities have been aware of its risks.
The manufacturer of the fluoridated compound PFOS, the primary component in AFFF, fled the market in the early 2000s.
More Testing in the 80s
Moreover, the Air Force Base performed its own animal experiments on AFFF in the early 1980s. According to a Defense Department memorandum from 2001, the primary component of AFFF was toxic.
How Can Military Personnel and People in General Be Exposed to PFAS Compounds?
You could have come encountered PFAS substances in a number of different ways. This includes exposure to contaminated drinking water, organisms found in PFAS-contaminated environments, and dust or contaminated soil.
We Encounter Forever Chemicals in Our Everyday Lives
According to the Environmental Working Group, PFAS chemicals are used in a range of consumer products, so PFAS exposure may not be as uncommon as you might this.
The following items may include PFAS chemicals:
- Some non-stick utensils, particularly Teflon-coated items
- Non-stick cookware
- Food packaging and vessels that are resistant to grease
- Water-repellent or stain-resistant coatings
- Certain cleaning supplies
- A few personal care items, such as those you might put in your mouth or apply to your face
What Are Some of the Health Problems Associated with Forever Chemicals?
Consuming contaminated drinking water can cause a number of long-term effects on the human body, including:
- Birth defects
- Cancers (including leukemia, kidney cancer, liver cancer, and more)
- Parkinson’s disease
- Reproductive problems
- Aplastic anemia
- Multiple myeloma
Can You Sue for PFAS Exposure?
If you suspect you have been exposed to one of the affected military bases, you might be eligible for compensation from the VA.
You may be eligible for compensation if you:
- Were living on one of the several PFAS-contaminated military installations
- Resided in a place where PFAS chemicals have been discovered in dangerous concentrations in soil, water used for fishing, drinking, or other environmental components
- Worked in a plant that manufactured products that have PFAS
You can speak with a Friend at PEMR to learn more about your rights if you’re considering filing a case due to known or suspected PFAS exposure.
How Can an Attorney Help?
PFAS exposure causes health-related concerns, so what can a Paul Ehline Ride do to help? The truth is that these forever chemicals can have grave consequences that often warrant several trips to the doctor and may even cost you your job.
If you think that PFAS exposure at a military facility has caused you or a loved one to become ill, Paul Ehline Ride might be able to:
- Help you find legal assistance to help obtain compensation for your damages (including lost wages, medical expenses, pain and suffering, higher disability ratings, and more!)
- Assist you in arranging testing to demonstrate any potential pollution in your area
- Defend your legal rights against the VA to the maximum allowed under the law
- Offer experts who will provide legal assistance required for your government claims
- Consult professionals to attest to a potential connection between your sickness and exposure to PFAS pollutants
- Help you identify potential accountable parties for your exposure.
Why Choose Us?
Here are some of the reasons why you should choose us to represent you:
- You will receive help from an award-winning team of veterans, many of whom are medical and legal professionals.
- We offer a free consultation to hear more about your VA problems.
- You’ll have access to professional assistance 24/7 if the VA will let us help you.
Let Us Help You Take Action to Protect Your Rights
If you have been exposed to PFAS chemicals, let us help you regain your life with love, support, and help from experts. While seeking compensation cannot compensate for your pain, it can offer the financial support you need for your medical treatment.
To learn more about filing a lawsuit and your rights, contact Paul Ehline Ride to learn about setting up a claim and finding emotional support today at (310) 622-8719.
We look forward to working with you to obtain restitution from the va and anyone else we can legally help you fight!
