Devised by the U.S. Navy and the 3M company in 1966, the fire suppressant AFFF has been used by military firefighters ever since. Still, it is highly dangerous, as it sometimes contains up to 98% PFAS. With each use, these harmful chemicals are released into the environment, causing severe contamination. They are also toxic to human health, as exposure can lead to numerous awful diseases, including cancer. Out of this group of chemicals, PFOA and PFOS have the strongest association with cancer. Veterans who were stationed at Camp Grafton should thereby keep a close eye on their health, as they are at risk of developing crippling illnesses.
What toxic agents are present on Camp Grafton?
At the moment, PFAS are the only contaminants of concern polluting Camp Grafton and the neighboring areas. While the level of these dangerous chemicals does not exceed the current safe exposure limit of 70 ppt, according to the recently proposed rule by the Environmental Protection Agency, they are over the maximum allowable limit at Camp Grafton. Specifically, PFOA exceeds the new limit by over 1,400 times.
While Camp Grafton has not been deemed a Superfund site yet, it might be in the near future, as contamination with PFAS has been identified at the military base. Other toxic agents might lurk on the facility, such as pesticides, solvents, and heavy metals. If you spent time at Camp Grafton, you should inform your physician about your toxic exposure history so that you can undergo the screenings you need.
What diseases can you develop following toxic exposure at Camp Grafton?
Toxic exposure can be responsible for a myriad of health problems, but veterans and family members who intend to file a claim should know that only certain diagnoses can make them eligible to file a military base toxic exposure claim. This is because there must be a strong connection between your disease and toxic exposure, which can also be supported by medical evidence. Even if you have one of the qualifying diagnoses, you might still not be entitled to compensation, as there are other criteria you must meet. This is the complete list of diagnoses for which you can file a claim if you spent at least one cumulative year at Camp Grafton:
Our attorneys, who have been pursuing compensation for toxic exposure victims for over three decades, will gladly help you determine whether you qualify to file a claim. The legal process is easy to navigate, and our legal team will go to great lengths to simplify it for you, as we are aware that most toxic exposure victims struggle physically and emotionally. Eligible individuals will have their claims filed as soon as possible, as many need financial compensation to afford their treatment, which is usually expensive. We can also help veterans file a VA disability claim if they meet the eligibility requirements.