In 2019, the U.S. Navy found 15 potential PFAS release sites on and around New London Submarine Base. The military base is currently a Superfund site, as more contaminants of concern than PFAS are lurking in the environment of New London Submarine Base. As a consequence, the organization is striving to remove the hazardous agents from the premises of the military installation, a series of activities that are yet to be completed.
What contaminants of concern are polluting New London Submarine Base?
Undoubtedly, PFAS are the main contaminant endangering the health of members of the military stationed for more than a couple of months at New London Submarine Base. Exposure to PFAS occurs via inhalation and ingestion. The source of PFAS on U.S. military bases is the employment of AFFF, a fire suppressant, by military firefighters and trainees to put out jet fuel and petroleum fires. It contains a high concentration of PFAS that, once released in the environment, do not break down and persist forever.
The other toxic agents found by the Environmental Protection Agency on this military base are the following, but this is not a complete list, which means that there are many others than these:
- aluminum
- antimony
- arsenic
- barium
- benzene
- benzoic acid
- beryllium
- boron
- cadmium
- chlorobenzene
- chrysene
- chromium
- copper
- dieldrin
- lead
- manganese
- mercury
- naphthalene
- nickel
- selenium
- thallium
- vanadium
Furthermore, the Environmental Protection Agency found that volatile organic compounds, spent battery acids, pesticides, polychlorinated biphenyls, as well as other wastes were buried below the water table in a landfill situated near wetlands. Apparently, this took place between 1957 and 1973. Thereby, if you were stationed at New London Submarine Base, we urge you to pay close attention to your health, as you have a considerable risk of coming to struggle with a serious disease due to toxic exposure.
What health issues can you develop as a consequence of PFAS exposure?
Cancer is by far the most horrible disease one can develop following serious exposure to PFAS and can occur on multiple organs and tissues in the body, depending on where the highest concentration of these chemicals has accumulated. In addition to cancer, there are many other health problems exposure to PFAS can cause. The following is the full list of health issues PFAS exposure can result in, as well as the diagnoses that qualify a person to file a toxic exposure claim:
If you received one of these diagnoses, you should get in touch with our legal team, as you may be eligible for compensation. We specialize in toxic exposure cases, and we will be able to help you recover the money you deserve for your suffering. If you were exposed to PFAS in the military as a pregnant woman and subsequently gave birth to a baby with health problems, we encourage you to call us as well, as you can obtain compensation on behalf of your child.