The oldest site of Joint Base San Antonio was built in 1917. At the moment, the Environmental Protection Agency is striving to remove PFAS, whose primary source was the use of aqueous film-forming foam, commonly known as AFFF, by military firefighters and trainees, from the environment of the base. While this group of hazardous substances is known as forever chemicals, the agency found a way to remove PFAS from the environment, a process that is still ongoing at Joint Base San Antonio. However, in addition to PFAS, there were other toxic agents polluting Joint Base San Antonio. If you are a veteran or the family member of one who was stationed at this military base after 1970 and developed a disease as a consequence of toxic exposure, we strongly encourage you to seek the assistance of a lawyer who specializes in this area of practice, as they will be able to recover the maximum financial compensation you are eligible for on your behalf.
What toxic agents were present on Joint Base San Antonio?
Although PFAS were the main contaminant on Joint Base San Antonio, high levels of polychlorinated biphenyl were also found by the Environmental Protection Agency on the site. Exposure to this harmful substance, which occurs by inhalation or ingestion, can lead to diseases and health issues such as:
- brain cancer
- neurotoxicity
- liver cancer
- melanoma
- breast cancer
- reproductive toxicity
- gastrointestinal cancer
- biliary tract cancer
- gall bladder cancer
It is worthy of note that, if you were the victim of toxic exposure, a disease may not occur immediately, as hazardous chemicals will gradually cause damage to the organ or tissue they reach in the body. Thereby, several years may pass until you develop a disease as a result of toxic exposure, regardless of the harmful agent you were in contact with. If you notice a new onset of distressing symptoms, it is a good idea to not postpone seeking medical attention, as you may have developed a serious disease. Nevertheless, because diseases caused by toxic exposure are often misdiagnosed, you should be examined by multiple specialists in order to receive a correct and accurate diagnosis.
What diseases can you develop following toxic exposure at Joint Base San Antonio?
While medical researchers are currently studying the health effects of exposure to PFAS, there are certain diseases that already have a definitive causal relation to this group of chemicals. Since PFAS was the primary contaminant at Joint Base San Antonio, you can only seek financial compensation for the diseases it causes. Therefore, if you developed one of the following diseases and health problems, you qualify for filing a personal injury claim, as well as a VA claim, if you are a veteran:
It is important to know that if you struggle with any other cancer, you are still eligible for compensation, as exposure to PFAS has a strong connection to malignant diseases, regardless of their location in the body. Consequently, if you have recently been diagnosed with cancer and were stationed at Joint Base San Antonio, either as a member of the military or the family member of one, please contact our law firm and we will promptly help you recover the money you deserve for your injury.
