In 1936, Wurtsmith Air Force Base served as the General Headquarters Air Force, whereas in 1949, the military base was used as the Continental Air Command. Nevertheless, after 1970, when AFFF began gaining popularity among both military and civilian firefighters, major contamination with PFAS occurred on the site, which greatly endangered the health of the people stationed there.
Exposure to PFAS, which occurs by inhalation or ingestion, can lead to numerous serious diseases and health issues. It is worth noting that disease may not develop immediately after exposure, as PFAS may gradually cause damage to the organ or tissue they reach in the body.
Thereby, if you are a veteran who was stationed at Wurtsmith Air Force Base and notice a new onset of unusual symptoms, we strongly advise you to seek medical attention, as you may have developed a disease as a result of toxic exposure. The family members of the military personnel who were stationed at this military base after 1970 are also at high risk of developing a serious disease as a consequence of toxic exposure.
What toxic agents were present on Wurtsmith Air Force Base?
The Environmental Protection Agency also found trichloroethylene lurking on Wurtsmith Air Force Base in addition to PFAS, which is a known carcinogenic substance. Some of the diseases that exposure to trichloroethylene may lead to are kidney cancer, lymphoma, cardiac defects, and liver cancer. The symptoms of exposure that can be noticed immediately are headaches, dizziness, and sleepiness.
It is worth noting that exposure to high levels of trichloroethylene may cause coma and, eventually, death. Because this toxic agent is classified as a known human carcinogen by the Department of Health and Human Services, veterans who spent time at Wurtsmith Air Force Base need to keep a close eye on their health and seek medical attention as soon as they notice distressing symptoms.
What diseases can you develop following toxic exposure at Wurtsmith Air Force Base?
Exposure to PFAS stemming from the use of AFFF is strongly correlated with a wide range of diseases, particularly cancer. Nonetheless, toxic exposure that occurred at Wurtsmith Air Force Base is also linked to other serious health problems.
The following are the diagnoses that may ensue following toxic exposure, as well as the diseases that make you eligible for filing a personal injury claim as a veteran who was stationed at this military base for at least 1 cumulative year:
It is important to know that if you struggle with any other cancer, you can still file a claim for toxic exposure, since PFAS are notorious for causing malignant diseases. Therefore, regardless of the location of the cancer in your body, we strongly encourage you to contact our law firm if you spent time at Wurtsmith Air Force Base, either as a veteran or as a family member of one, to recover the financial compensation you are entitled to.
