At the moment, the PFAS level at this military facility is below the 70 ppt safe exposure limit. Nevertheless, the presence of these hazardous chemicals at Terre Haute National Guard Site is enough to pose a health threat to service members stationed there, as well as to veterans who spent time there in the past. Exposure to PFAS usually results in a disease within several years to several decades from the first contact with “forever chemicals.” Recently, the Environmental Protection Agency has proposed new safe exposure limits for two of the most dangerous chemicals from the PFAS group, PFOA and PFOS. According to the proposed regulations, the PFOS concentration in the environment of the military installation exceeds the safe exposure limit by 275 times.
What toxic agents are lurking on Terre Haute National Guard Site?
Currently, PFAS are the only contaminants of concern present on Terre Haute National Guard Site. Their source on the military facility is firefighters regularly using AFFF, a fire suppressant, to extinguish jet fuel and petroleum fires. However, because it contains between 50% and up to 98% “forever chemicals,” it is very dangerous. With each use, AFFF releases tremendous amounts of PFAS into the environment, where they can take over a thousand years to break down. Similarly, when these substances enter the body, they take years to be completely eliminated, which increases the risk of developing a crippling illness.
In addition to Terre Haute National Guard Site, “forever chemicals” are now present on nearly all military bases nationwide, and their source is the same. A sliver of hope for the future is the Pentagon announcement, according to which it will phase out AFFF use within the military and replace it with PFAS-free firefighting foam by 2024. This will prevent further toxic contamination, but it will most likely take decades for the Environmental Protection Agency to remove PFAS from nearly 700 polluted military bases. Veterans and family members who spent time at Terre Haute National Guard Site should keep a close eye on their health.
What diseases can you develop following toxic exposure at Terre Haute National Guard Site?
While toxic exposure can be responsible for a myriad of health problems, it is important for veterans and family members who intend to file a claim to know that only certain diagnoses can make them eligible. This is because a strong connection must exist between their illness and toxic exposure, a connection that can also be supported by medical literature. Even with a qualifying disease, you might still not be entitled to financial compensation, as there are other criteria your case must meet. The following are the illnesses for which you can file a claim if you spent at least one cumulative year at Terre Haute National Guard Site:
Our attorneys have over 30 years of experience in assisting toxic exposure victims to recover the compensation they deserve for their unjust suffering. If you are unsure about whether you are eligible to file a military base toxic exposure claim, they will gladly evaluate your case and let you know if you qualify. The legal process is quite simple and will require minimal involvement from you, as we understand how physically and emotionally draining struggling with one of the above diseases can be. Eventually, if our endeavors are fruitful, you will receive the money you are entitled to.
