The issue of PFAS contamination at Robins Air Force Base is very acute, as, since the early 1960s, military firefighters and trainees have been using aqueous film-forming foam, commonly known as AFFF, to extinguish jet fuel and petroleum fires. Although it is a very effective fire suppressant, AFFF contains tremendous amounts of PFAS, which are inevitably released in the environment when it is used. Because they are also known as “forever chemicals”, once they are released in the environment, PFAS persist, which makes the cleanup endeavors of organizations such as the Environmental Protection Agency extremely difficult.
What toxic agents are lurking on Robins Air Force Base?
Even though the military has been trying to cover up the extent and severity of PFAS contamination at Robins Air Force Base, it is now a well-known issue that must be addressed as soon as possible, as the presence of these dangerous chemicals does not only pose a health threat to the members of the military stationed there, but to the surrounding communities as well. At the moment, the military base is a Superfund site on the National Priorities List of contaminated sites. The Environmental Protection Agency is currently striving to remove the PFAS from the environment of Robins Air Force Base, which is, without a doubt, a very challenging job.
PFAS are not the only contaminant at Robins Air Force Base, but their presence is alarming enough, as exposure to these fluorinated chemicals may cause serious diseases, including multiple types of cancer. Because it usually takes several years to several decades for PFAS to result in disease following exposure, it was only recently that more and more veterans came to struggle with terrible diseases.
Other contaminants found on Robins Air Force Base include, but are not limited to:
- heavy metals
- halogenated solvents
- PAH
- persistent organic pollutants
- pesticides
- VOC
- phenols
- cyanide
- industrial wastes
- benzene
- lead
- chloroform
- vinyl chloride
- vinyl acetate
- trichloroethylene
- tetrachloroethylene
- chlorobenzene
- chromium
- arsenic
- antimony
- acetone
- DDE
- methyl chloride
- benzoic acid
- mercury
- fluorene
- naphthalene
- xylenes
If you are also a veteran whose health was affected by PFAS exposure while on active duty on Robins Air Force Base, we strongly encourage you to contact our law firm, which specializes in toxic exposure, as you are entitled to financial compensation from the responsible AFFF companies.
What diseases can you develop following PFAS exposure?
Even though the most serious and potentially deadly disease exposure to PFAS can result in is cancer, the presence of these chemicals in the body can also lead to the development of other health problems, which may cause a lot of suffering and distress as well. It is important to know that, if you were exposed to PFAS while in the military, you can file a toxic exposure claim only if you have certain diagnoses, as there must be a clear link between your disease and PFAS exposure. Accordingly, the following are the diagnoses for which you can file a claim for PFAS exposure if you spent 1 cumulative year or longer at the military base:
It is essential to know that, if you are the family member of a veteran who was stationed at Robins Air Force Base with them and came to struggle with a disease, you are also eligible for compensation from the AFFF companies. With over 25 years of experience in toxic exposure cases, our legal team will help you recover the money you deserve for your injury. Lastly, if you were pregnant during your stay at this military base and gave birth to a child with health problems, you can also file a toxic exposure claim to obtain compensation on their behalf.
