The base, formerly known as Scott Field, was built in 1917 and became one of the oldest active Air Force installations in the United States.
Over the century of its existence, Scott Air Force Base has been used to provide communications instruction, train pilots, perform aeromedical evacuation, and support military logistics.
AFFF was frequently utilized at Scott Air Force Base in emergency responses, firefighting operations, equipment testing, and fire training exercises that involved fuel fires.
Environmental assessments started in 2015 as the Air Force Civil Engineer Center undertook testing for PFAS at the installation. In addition, the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency suggested further testing of the public water supply and private wells near the installation.
Individuals who might have suffered greater occupational exposure include:
- aircraft rescue and firefighting workers
- firefighters in the Air Force
- civilian firefighters
- fire protection engineers
- emergency response workers
- HazMat teams
- fire training instructors
- workers who test and maintain fire suppression systems
Studies have shown that people exposed to PFAS chemicals over a long period of time are at a higher risk of developing thyroid disease, cancers, immune system effects, high cholesterol and ulcerative colitis. While further studies continue, PFAS chemicals are known to build up in the body over time.
The widespread construction at Scott Air Force Base from the 1920s to the 1980s meant that asbestos was utilized in a wide array of military aircraft, buildings, and machinery due to its insulating ability, high thermal stability, durability, and low price.
Asbestos-containing building materials used within the base include the following:
- pipe insulation
- boiler insulation
- duct insulation
- ceiling tiles
- vinyl floor tiles
- roofing materials
- wallboard
- asbestos cement products
- fire-resistant materials
- electrical insulation
- gaskets and sealants
- aircraft brake components
Despite the removal of many asbestos-containing building materials during renovation and demolition projects, which continued into the 2000s, the presence of asbestos is still a problem when older buildings at the base require renovation, maintenance, or demolition. Disturbing old buildings could release asbestos fibers into the air.
Personnel with greater occupational exposure include:
- construction workers
- electricians
- sheet metal workers
- welders
- pipefitters
- boiler workers
- aircraft mechanics
- machinists
- carpenters
- civilian maintenance workers
- contractors involved in renovations
Health disorders caused by asbestos exposure usually manifest themselves decades after being exposed to this material. Lung cancer and mesothelioma diagnoses and a proven exposure history make you eligible for an asbestos trust fund claim.