In addition to PFAS, which represent the main contaminant on Joint Expeditionary Base-Little Creek, there are other hazardous agents polluting the environment of the military base. According to the Environmental Protection Agency, some of the activities that generated toxic waste on the site are the construction and repair of buildings and piers, the application of pesticides, medical and dental treatment, and boat painting and sandblasting. Joint Expeditionary Base-Little Creek was deemed a Superfund site in the summer of 1998, and the Environmental Protection Agency is striving to carry out cleanup activities on 12 sites of the military base at the moment.
What contaminants of concern are present on Joint Expeditionary Base-Little Creek?
The source of PFAS on the military base is the use of AFFF, a dangerous fire suppressant, by military firefighters to put out fires stemming from flammable liquids and gases. Invented in 1966 by the U.S. Navy and the 3M company, AFFF contains a high concentration of PFAS. They are also known as "forever chemicals", which means that they do not break down in the environment. Furthermore, our bodies cannot eliminate PFAS once they entered our bloodstream. People with increased levels of PFAS in their blood are significantly more likely to develop terrible diseases, as these chemicals are extremely toxic.
According to what the Environmental Protection Agency found, the following wastes are polluting the premises of Joint Expeditionary Base-Little Creek besides PFAS, which only worsens the degree of toxic exposure among members of the military and civilians who live there:
- pesticides
- solvents
- inorganics
- silver cyanide
- heavy metals
- copper cyanide
- lacquer stripper
- dyes
- perchloroethylene sludge
- chromic acid
- polychlorinated biphenyls
- degreasers
Therefore, if you spent time at Joint Expeditionary Base-Little Creek, you need to keep a close eye on your health, as you have a considerable risk of coming to struggle with a serious disease. It is recommended to undergo periodical medical examinations after informing your physician that you were exposed to toxic agents so that they will know what to look for when assessing your health. If you begin experiencing unusual symptoms, do not postpone visiting a doctor, as the sooner a health issue is found, the more effective the treatment will be.
What health issues can PFAS exposure cause in people who were stationed at contaminated military bases?
Indisputably, the most harrowing disease exposure to PFAS can result in is cancer, which can affect numerous organs and tissues in the body. If you are predisposed to developing it, the location will highly depend on where the largest amount of PFAS is. Nevertheless, there are other serious health problems PFAS exposure can cause, which also require long-term treatment. The following are all the health issues the presence of these chemicals in the body can result in and also the diagnoses that qualify you for seeking compensation:
In the regrettable event that you received one of these diagnoses, we strongly advise you to reach out to our lawyers, as they specialize in toxic exposure and thereby have the necessary skills, knowledge, and resources to help you recover the financial compensation you deserve. They will carefully review your case and, if you meet the requirements, they will file a claim on your behalf, which will bring you the money you are entitled to. Lastly, if you are a woman, you were pregnant during your stay at Joint Expeditionary Base-Little Creek and gave birth to a baby with health problems, you should also contact us, as you can obtain compensation on behalf of your child.
