While the PFAS level in the environment of North Smithfield is below the current safe exposure limit, the presence of these chemicals is enough to pose a health threat to service members who are training at the military installation. Since 1967, the fire suppressant AFFF has been used on nearly all military facilities nationwide, contaminating these installations with PFAS. Veterans who spent time there are also at high risk of developing a serious illness, as exposure to “forever chemicals” takes several years to several decades to result in a disease. Recently, the Environmental Protection Agency has proposed new safe exposure limits for PFOA and PFOS, two of the most dangerous chemicals out of the PFAS group. According to the proposed rule, the PFOA level at North Smithfield is 150 times over the safe exposure limit, whereas the PFOS level is 5 times over it.
What toxic agents are present at North Smithfield?
At the moment, PFAS are the contaminants of concern lurking on the military facility. Still, there might be other hazardous substances present on the site, which only worsens the degree of toxic exposure among service members. Some of these harmful agents are the following:
- barium
- chromium
- manganese
- vanadium
Veterans and family members who lived at North Smithfield should keep a close eye on their health, as they are at high risk of developing a serious disease due to toxic exposure. They must seek medical assistance as soon as they notice unusual symptoms for a timely diagnosis.
What diseases can you develop following toxic exposure at North Smithfield?
Toxic exposure can result in many terrible health problems. Nevertheless, veterans and family members who intend to file a military base toxic exposure claim should be aware that only certain diagnoses can make them eligible. This is because there must be a strong association between their disease and toxic exposure, which can also be supported by medical literature. Even if you have a qualifying disease, you might still not be entitled to compensation, as there are other criteria your case must meet. The following are the diagnoses for which people who spent at least one cumulative year at North Smithfield can file a claim:
If you are unsure about whether you are eligible to file a military base toxic exposure claim, do not hesitate to contact our experienced attorneys, who have been providing legal assistance to people in your situation for the past three decades. The legal process is simple and will require minimal involvement on your part, as we understand how overwhelming struggling with one of the above diseases can be. If we determine that you are entitled to compensation, we will begin working on your claim as soon as possible, as we prioritize veterans and their family members, especially if they suffer from cancer.
