While the PFAS level in the environment of Holston Army Ammunition Plant does not exceed the current safe exposure limit, it is over the recently proposed maximum limit by the Environmental Protection Agency. Specifically, the concentration of “forever chemicals” at the military facility is 5 ppt, which slightly exceeds the EPA's new safe exposure limit of 4 ppt. Even in small concentrations, PFAS are highly toxic, as they persist both in the environment and the body following exposure, being able to trigger the development of a serious disease over the years. Veterans and family members who spent time at Holston Army Ammunition Plant should closely monitor their health and seek medical assistance if they notice any unusual symptoms.
What toxic agents are lurking on Holston Army Ammunition Plant?
At the moment, PFAS are the only toxic agents lurking on the military base. Still, their presence is enough to endanger the health of service members who are currently stationed there. Out of the “forever chemicals” group, PFOS and PFOA are the most dangerous, as they have a strong connection with multiple forms of cancer. They are also some of the most common PFAS. The source of these hazardous substances at Holston Army Ammunition Plant is the use of AFFF by military firefighters.
Thankfully, the Pentagon announced that it will discontinue the use of AFFF and replace this fire suppressant with a PFAS-free firefighting foam by 2024. While this will prevent further contamination, nearly 700 military installations nationwide remain contaminated with PFAS. These chemicals are very challenging to remove from the environment, even with the newest, most innovative technologies. Holston Army Ammunition Plant was deemed a Superfund site, but it is not currently on the National Priorities List.
What diseases can you develop following toxic exposure at Holston Army Ammunition Plant?
Although toxic exposure can be the cause of numerous awful health problems, it is important for veterans and family members seeking compensation to know that only certain diagnoses might deem them eligible to file a claim. This is because their illness must have a strong association with toxic exposure that can also be supported by medical literature. The following are the diagnoses for which you might be entitled to compensation if you spent one cumulative year or longer at Holston Army Ammunition Plant:
If you are unsure about whether you qualify to file a military base toxic exposure claim, do not hesitate to contact our skilled attorneys. With over three decades of experience in handling toxic exposure cases, they will gladly evaluate your case to determine if you are entitled to compensation for your diagnosis. The legal process is simple and requires minimal involvement on your part, as we understand how overwhelming struggling with one of the above diseases can be.
