In May of 2020, the U.S. Army has found that PFOS and PFOA, the most studied chemicals from the PFAS category, were present at the old Fort Ord, near Salinas, California. The concentration of PFAS in the environment of the former military base was 560 parts per trillion, which significantly exceeds the permissible limit of 70 parts per trillion set by the Environmental Protection Agency. Consequently, members of the military and civilians who were stationed there between 1966 and 1994 are now at increased risk of coming to struggle with serious health issues.
What contaminants of concern are lurking on Fort Ord?
Because of the great extent of contamination, the Environmental Protection Agency deemed Fort Ord a Superfund site in 1990, and shortly after, it began cleaning up the toxic agents from the premises of the military base. Although the military base was closed over 25 years ago, people who spent time there are still in danger today when it comes to their health, as the presence of PFAS in their blood increases their chances of developing terrible diseases.
The source of PFAS on Fort Ord was the use of AFFF by military firefighters to put out jet fuel and petroleum fires. This fire suppressant that was actually invented by the U.S. Navy and the 3M company is quite dangerous, as it contains large amounts of PFAS. Once these chemicals are released in the environment, they do not break down and persist until they are removed by organizations such as the Environmental Protection Agency.
What health issues can PFAS exposure cause?
Cancer is by far the worst disease exposure to PFAS can result in, and it can develop in many areas of the body. However, in addition to malignant diseases, there are other serious health problems the inhalation or ingestion of PFAS can lead to. These are all the health issues exposure to PFAS can be responsible for, as well as the diagnoses that deem you eligible to file a toxic exposure claim if you were stationed at Fort Ord for 1 cumulative year or longer:
People with one of these diagnoses are highly advised to contact our legal team, as they may be entitled to compensation from the AFFF manufacturers. Our law firm specializes in toxic exposure, which means that we have what it takes to obtain the maximum financial compensation for you if you are a victim of toxic exposure. Lastly, if you were pregnant during your stay at Fort Ord and your baby was born with health issues, you should also give us a call, as you can obtain compensation on behalf of your child.