The pervasive use of Aqueous Film-Forming Foam (AFFF) has left an indelible mark on various communities across the United States. Certain locations bear the brunt of its environmental and health consequences.
AFFF is commonly utilized in firefighting and military training exercises for its efficacy in combating fuel-based fires. It contains toxic per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) that have contaminated water sources and affected countless lives.
Let’s delve into some of the places in the US that have faced the most significant AFFF exposure and its enduring impacts.
Military Bases
For decades, military installations have been significant users of AFFF, resulting in widespread soil and groundwater contamination in surrounding areas.
According to research by the Environmental Working Group (EWG), data from the U.S. Department of Defense identifies 710 locations nationwide. These sites are suspected of experiencing PFAS contamination, potentially impacting drinking water and groundwater.
The DOD’s findings revealed 455 sites with confirmed PFAS detections, with concerns raised about potential contamination at an additional 255 bases.
Military installations newly identified by the EWG reveal alarming PFAS detection levels. Concentrations exceeding 10,000 parts per trillion (ppt) have been found in drinking or groundwater samples.
Notable sites include :
- Joint Base Pearl Harbor in Hawaii
- Fort Stewart-Hunter Army Airfield in Georgia
- West Bend Armory in Wisconsin
- Fort Stewart in Georgia
- Fort Sill in Oklahoma.
Amidst these revelations, veterans who have served at these contaminated installations are facing significant health challenges. Many veterans have reported debilitating illnesses linked to AFFF exposure, ranging from cancer and thyroid disorders to reproductive issues and immune system dysfunction.
TorHoerman Law reports that recognizing the plight of these veterans, the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) has initiated measures to address their suffering. Veterans who believe their health issues stem from AFFF exposure during their service can file claims for disability compensation and healthcare benefits with the VA.
This process entails providing detailed documentation of their medical conditions, military service records, and evidence linking their illnesses to AFFF exposure.
Navigating the process of VA claims for exposure to AFFF can be complex. However, it provides veterans with the opportunity to access vital resources and support to manage their health issues effectively.
As awareness grows and efforts to address AFFF contamination intensify, prioritizing the well-being of veterans becomes crucial. Ensuring they receive the care and compensation they rightfully deserve is imperative.
Airports and Fire Training Facilities
Airports and fire training facilities have become significant areas of AFFF contamination. This is largely due to the routine use of this firefighting foam in training drills and emergency responses.
The incident at Chicago O’Hare International Airport in October 2016 serves as a poignant example. It sheds light on the pervasive nature of this concern and its potential environmental and public health ramifications.
When an American Airlines jetliner caught fire on an O’Hare Airport runway, firefighters swiftly blanketed the flames with AFFF.
Subsequent investigations revealed that these chemicals had seeped into the groundwater beneath O’Hare and Midway airports. This raised significant concerns about environmental and public health implications.
Further testing is planned as part of a nationwide cleanup initiative led by the U.S. Defense Department. This aims to assess the extent of contamination and facilitate remediation efforts.
The projected cleanup costs nationwide, as reported by the Chicago Sun-Times, are expected to amount to $39 billion. This underscores the scale and urgency of addressing AFFF contamination in critical infrastructural settings.
Training Ranges and Firefighting Academies
Military training ranges and firefighting academies are additional sources of AFFF exposure, particularly in regions with high concentrations of military activity or fire service training.
In Maryland, military facilities are now undergoing remedial investigations due to concerns over “forever chemicals” contaminating groundwater and jeopardizing drinking water supplies.
Notable facilities include Joint Base Andrews, Aberdeen Proving Ground, Fort Meade, Fort Detrick, and the Patuxent River Naval Air Station. The Department of Defense (DOD) has initiated investigations at 275 sites nationwide, including 10 locations in Maryland, to assess potential PFAS contamination. Of these, 11 sites in Maryland are close to groundwater aquifers, some of which serve as primary or secondary drinking water sources.
This underscores the far-reaching impact of AFFF contamination, highlighting a pressing issue that many states across the country are grappling with.
FAQs
What is AFFF, and how are veterans exposed to it?
Aqueous Film-Forming Foam (AFFF) is a firefighting foam containing toxic per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS). Veterans are typically exposed to AFFF during their service, particularly in firefighting and military training exercises where AFFF is used to combat fuel-based fires.
How can veterans file VA claims for AFFF exposure-related illnesses?
Veterans who believe their health issues stem from AFFF exposure during their service can file claims for disability compensation. They can also apply for healthcare benefits with the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). This process involves providing detailed documentation of medical conditions, military service records, and evidence linking illnesses to AFFF exposure.
What happens after filing a VA claim for AFFF exposure?
Once a VA claim is filed, it undergoes review, considering medical evidence, service records, and additional information provided by the veteran. If the VA determines that the veteran’s illness is service-connected, they may be eligible for disability compensation and access to VA healthcare services.
In conclusion, the widespread use of AFFF across various sectors has resulted in environmental contamination and health risks in communities across the United States. From military bases and airports to industrial sites and training facilities, the effects of AFFF exposure are far-reaching and multifaceted.
As awareness of the issue grows, efforts to mitigate AFFF contamination and support affected communities are underway. These initiatives emphasize the importance of proactive measures to address this pressing environmental and public health concern.
