The level of PFAS at the military base is almost twice over the current safe exposure limit. Out of this group of substances, PFOS and PFOA are the most dangerous, as exposure has a strong connection with many cancers. According to the recently proposed safe exposure limits by the Environmental Protection Agency, the concentration of these chemicals at Fort Drum is extremely high. While the PFOS level exceeds the new safe exposure limit by 650 times, the PFOA level eclipses it by 10,000 times. Exposure to any level of these substances can result in life-threatening diseases, so veterans who lived at this military base should keep a close eye on their health.
What toxic agents are lurking on Fort Drum?
Currently, PFAS are the only known contaminants lurking on Fort Drum. Nevertheless, their presence is enough to endanger the health of service members training and living there, as exposure is inevitable. These substances, which refer to over 9,000 different chemicals, are also known as “forever chemicals,” as some take over a thousand years to break down in the environment. Similarly, once PFAS are present in the human body, they take a long time to be completely eliminated.
Veterans who spent time at Fort Drum after 1967, when AFFF became the norm in the military, should closely monitor their health, as they are at high risk of developing a serious illness. The family members of veterans who lived at the military base are also at risk of coming to struggle with a disease, so they should be on the lookout for unusual symptoms, too. Seeking a second opinion is essential if you are diagnosed with a disease, as many toxic exposure victims are misdiagnosed.
What diseases can toxic exposure at Fort Drum cause?
Although toxic exposure can lead to the development of many diseases, it is important for veterans and family members to know that only certain diagnoses might deem them eligible to file a claim. This is because their health problem must have a strong connection with toxic exposure, a connection that can also be supported by medical evidence. Even if you have a qualifying disease, you might still not be entitled to compensation, as there are other requirements you have to meet. These are the diagnoses for which veterans and family members who spent at least one cumulative year at Fort Drum can file a claim:
In the unfortunate event that you receive one of the above diagnoses, you should get in touch with our diligent attorneys, who have been handling toxic exposure cases for over 30 years. They will be able to determine whether you are entitled to compensation for your injury and help you file your military base toxic exposure claim if you are eligible. The legal process will require minimal involvement on your part, as we understand that suffering from a serious disease can be physically and emotionally draining.