The Environmental Protection Agency is currently striving to clean up 12 areas of the military base, including landfills, a fire protection training area, and spill sites. Some of the remedies the agency has been using on Ellsworth Air Force Base in their attempt to remove toxic agents are groundwater pump-and-treat systems, soil excavation, and institutional controls.
While PFAS are the primary contaminant on Ellsworth Air Force Base, there are numerous other hazardous substances lurking on this military base, which greatly endanger the health of the military personnel and their family members who are spending time on the site. The use of AFFF began gaining popularity in 1970 and is employed to put up class B fires both by military and civilian firefighters. Despite the carcinogenic nature of the PFAS present in this fire suppressant, the product is still widely used to extinguish fires.
What toxic agents were present on Ellsworth Air Force Base?
The PFAS stemming from the use of AFFF were the main pollutant on this military base during the last century. Nevertheless, there were other toxic agents present on Ellsworth Air Force Base, the majority of which came from nearby industries disposing of waste inappropriately. The following are the other hazardous substances that can still be found on the site of this military base until the Environmental Protection Agency completes the cleanup process:
- petroleum
- waste solvents
- aluminum
- radioactive waste
- benzene
- arsenic
- cadmium
- ethylbenzene
- lead
- manganese
- mercury
- toluene
It is important to know that if you were exposed to these harmful chemicals, a disease may not occur immediately, as once inside the body, toxic agents tend to gradually cause damage to the organ or tissue they attach themselves to. Consequently, several years may pass until the disease develops in the body.
If you were stationed at Ellsworth Air Force Base and experience distressing symptoms, we strongly encourage you to seek medical attention as soon as possible, as you may have developed a serious disease.
What diseases can you develop following toxic exposure at Ellsworth Air Force Base?
Toxic exposure has a strong causal relationship with numerous awful diseases, particularly with cancer. Nonetheless, there are multiple other serious health issues that may stem from exposure to hazardous agents.
The following are the diseases veterans and their family members who were stationed at Ellsworth Air Force Base for at least 1 cumulative year may come to suffer from, as well as the diagnoses that make one eligible for seeking financial compensation:
It is crucial to know that if you struggle with any other type of cancer than those listed above, you are still entitled to compensation since there is a definitive connection between toxic exposure and malignant diseases.
Thereby, regardless of what malignant disease you struggle with, do not hesitate to contact our attorneys, who will promptly help you recover the money you deserve for your injury from the responsible party.
