The primary contaminant at Chanute Air Force Base is PFAS, a group of hazardous chemicals whose source is aqueous film-forming foam, commonly known as AFFF, a fire suppressant used to extinguish class B fires by military personnel. Since 1970, AFFF has been employed to put out petroleum fires and jet fuel fires by the military, as it is a very effective fire suppressant. Nevertheless, the PFAS present in this product poses a great health danger to those exposed to it, as its presence in the body can lead to numerous serious diseases over time.
Chanute Air Force Base was made up of 81 environmental sites, most of which were contaminated with PFAS. Currently, the Environmental Protection Agency is striving to clean up the military base, which is expected to be completed by the end of 2022. In the meantime, Chanute Air Force Base is being redeveloped for civilian uses.
What toxic agents were present on Chanute Air Force Base?
In addition to PFAS, other harmful chemicals were lurking on Chanute Air Force Base, resulting in terrible diseases. However, it is worth noting that you might not immediately develop a disease if you were exposed to these toxic agents. Some diseases take several years to occur in the body following toxic exposure. These were some of the harmful substances that could be found on Chanute Air Force Base during the last century:
- volatile organic compounds
- pesticides
- dioxins
- polychlorinated biphenyls
- furans
- heavy metals
If you were stationed at Chanute Air Force Base for at least one year, either alone or with your family members, and came to struggle with a disease as a consequence of PFAS exposure, you are eligible for compensation. A lawyer whose main area of practice is toxic exposure will promptly help you recover the money you deserve for your injury.
What diseases can you develop following PFAS exposure at Chanute Air Force Base?
Due to the large number of contaminants present on Chanute Air Force Base, the diseases you can develop due to toxic exposure are also numerous and may not occur immediately after you come in contact with the hazardous substances lurking on the military base. The following are the diseases and health conditions that make you eligible to file for compensation:
The assistance of a lawyer who specializes in toxic exposure cases is essential in obtaining the money you deserve for your injury, as they will be able to recover the maximum compensation you are entitled to.