Before Joint Base San Antonio was founded, there were 2 separate military bases in the area, namely Lackland Air Force Base and Randolph Air Force Base. They were merged in 2010 along with Martindale Army Airfield and now form Joint Base San Antonio. Lackland Air Force Base was built in 1941 and is currently under the jurisdiction of the 802d Mission Support Group, while Randolph Air Force Base was opened in 1931 and was given this name in honor of Captain William Millican Randolph, a native of Austin, who was part of the base naming committee when he passed away in a crash.
At the moment, the Environmental Protection Agency is striving to remove PFAS from the environment of the military base. The primary source of PFAS is the use of AFFF, a fire suppressant, by military firefighters and trainees to put out jet fuel and petroleum fires. While this group of hazardous substances is known as "forever chemicals", the agency found a way to remove PFAS from Joint Base San Antonio, a process that is still ongoing.
What toxic agents are present on Joint Base San Antonio?
Although PFAS are the main contaminant on Joint Base San Antonio, high levels of polychlorinated biphenyl, as well as other dangerous agents, were also found on the site. The following are the other toxic agents lurking on the military base, according to the Environmental Working Group:
- bromochloroacetic acid
- chromium
- bromoform
- dibromochloromethane
- haloacetic acids
- nitrate
- radium
- trihalomethanes
It is worthy of note that, if you were the victim of toxic exposure, a disease may not occur immediately, as hazardous chemicals will gradually cause damage to the organ or tissue they reach in the body. Thereby, several years may pass until you develop a disease as a result of toxic exposure, regardless of the harmful agent you were in contact with.
If you notice a new onset of distressing symptoms, it is a good idea to not postpone seeking medical attention, as you may have developed a serious disease. Nevertheless, because diseases caused by toxic exposure are often misdiagnosed, you should be examined by multiple specialists in order to receive a correct and accurate diagnosis.
What diseases can you develop following toxic exposure at Joint Base San Antonio?
While medical researchers are currently studying the health effects of PFAS exposure, there are certain diseases that already have a definitive causal relation to this group of chemicals. Since PFAS was the primary contaminant at Joint Base San Antonio, you can only seek financial compensation for the diseases it causes. Therefore, if you developed one of the following diseases and health problems, you might qualify for filing a personal injury claim, as well as a VA claim, if you are a veteran. Still, you must have spent at least 1 cumulative year on the military base to become eligible.
It is important to know that if you struggle with any other cancer, you are still eligible for compensation, as exposure to PFAS has a strong connection to malignant diseases, regardless of their location in the body. Consequently, if you have recently been diagnosed with cancer and were stationed at Joint Base San Antonio, either as a member of the military or the family member of one, please contact our law firm and we will promptly help you recover the money you deserve for your injury.