The Arizona Department of Environmental Quality found multiple contaminants of concern lurking on the site of Davis-Monthan Air Force Base. While most exposure pathways have been eliminated through mitigation and restricted access or use, exposure to PFAS remains a severe issue for members of the military who are stationed there. However, the Environmental Protection Agency is making relentless efforts to remediate the problem of PFAS contamination on Davis-Monthan Air Force Base as well.
What hazardous agents are lurking on Davis-Monthan Air Force Base?
PFAS are currently the major contaminant on Davis-Monthan Air Force Base, as AFFF, the fire suppressant that contains these toxic chemicals has been used on the military base since 1966 to put out jet fuel and petroleum fires. Surprisingly, AFFF was developed by the U.S. Navy and the notorious 3M company. It is worthy of note that PFAS are "forever chemicals", which means that they do not break down in the environment. Consequently, they remain there until cleanup is carried out by organizations such as the Environmental Protection Agency.
In addition to PFAS, the following hazardous agents have been found polluting Davis-Monthan Air Force Base, but members of the military who are now on the base are no longer at risk of exposure to these:
- petroleum hydrocarbon
- benzene
- toluene
- ethylbenzene
- xylene
- methane gas
- volatile organic compounds
- metals in soil
Once PFAS enter the human body, they will reside there forever, which will place the person at increased risk of coming to struggle with a serious disease over the years. For this reason, if you were stationed at Davis-Monthan Air Force Base after 1966, we strongly advise you to take care of your health and undergo periodical medical examinations to make sure your health is still intact. Lastly, it is extremely important to inform your doctor about your toxic exposure history so that they will know what to look for when assessing your health.
What diseases can PFAS exposure on military bases result in?
By far, the most harrowing diagnosis one can receive after having been exposed to PFAS is cancer, which can develop on numerous organs and tissues in the body. Usually, cancer will occur where the largest amount of PFAS is in your body. Nevertheless, if you intend to seek financial compensation for your health problem, you should know that there are only certain diagnoses that make you eligible, as these are the ones that have a strong causal relation with PFAS exposure, namely:
In the unfortunate event that you have one of these health issues, contact our experienced attorneys, who specialize in toxic exposure, for a free-of-charge case review. They will help you file a toxic exposure claim if they find out that you are entitled to compensation, which will result in a significant sum of money that will help you afford better healthcare and treatment. If you were pregnant during your stay at Davis-Monthan Air Force Base and your baby was born with a health problem, you should also reach out to us, as we can assist you with obtaining compensation on behalf of your child.
