The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has found that the groundwater in U.S. military bases around the country were contaminated by chemicals known as PFAS.
They are “forever chemicals” — long-lasting, toxic chemicals that persist in the environment and human body.
PFAS have been linked to:
- Liver cancer
- Kidney cancer
- Testicular cancer
- Thyroid cancer
- Preeclampsia
- Thyroid diseases
- Ulcerative colitis
Are You a Veteran Who Was Harmed
by Contaminated Water?
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has found that the groundwater in U.S. military bases around the country were contaminated by chemicals known as PFAS.
They are “forever chemicals” — long-lasting, toxic chemicals that persist in the environment and human body.
PFAS has been commonly found in:
- Water
- Food
- Fire-fighting foams
- Stain and water-repellent products such as Scotchgard
- Nonstick products like Teflon
- Polishes
- Waxes
- Paints
- Cleaning products
- Industrial workplaces where chrome plating, electronics manufacturing or oil recovery is done
Effects of Forever Chemicals
PFAS may leach into drinking water from any of these sources. They also build up in living organisms over time due to exposure and are widely known to be environmental contaminants.
On military bases and airports, these chemicals are used as a part of aqueous film forming foam (AFFF), which can put out fires caused by jet fuel.
PFAS chemicals such as PFOA and PFOS do not break down on their own. This means they can stay in the body for permanently.
They are highly toxic to humans because they can change hormone levels, increase cholesterol, interfere with the immune system’s function, and increase the risk of kidney, liver, testicular and thyroid cancers.
Many manufacturers stopped using PFAS due to adverse effects on human health. Scientists at 3M corporation knew as early as 1975 that PFAS chemicals were building up in those exposed to it. In 2009, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) set limits for safe exposure to PFAS.
Studies have found that six million Americans are exposed to PFAS at limits above that set by the EPA health advisory limit. Even today, PFAS is still found in drinking water sources at hundreds of sites across the country. Every day, a new community is being harmed by these toxic chemicals.
Are You a Veteran Harmed by Contaminated Water?
PFAS has been commonly found in:
- Water
- Food
- Fire-fighting foams
- Stain and water-repellent products such as Scotchgard
- Nonstick products like Teflon
- Polishes
- Waxes
- Paints
- Cleaning products
- Industrial workplaces where chrome plating, electronics manufacturing or oil recovery is done
Effects of Forever Chemicals
PFAS may leach into drinking water from any of these sources. They also build up in living organisms over time due to exposure and are widely known to be environmental contaminants.
On military bases and airports, these chemicals are used as a part of aqueous film forming foam (AFFF), which can put out fires caused by jet fuel.
PFAS chemicals such as PFOA and PFOS do not break down on their own. This means they can stay in the body for permanently.
They are highly toxic to humans because they can change hormone levels, increase cholesterol, interfere with the immune system’s function, and increase the risk of kidney, liver, testicular and thyroid cancers.
PFAS have been linked to:
- Liver cancer
- Kidney cancer
- Testicular cancer
- Thyroid cancer
- Preeclampsia
- Thyroid diseases
- Ulcerative colitis
Many manufacturers stopped using PFAS due to adverse effects on human health. Scientists at 3M corporation knew as early as 1975 that PFAS chemicals were building up in those exposed to it. In 2009, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) set limits for safe exposure to PFAS.
Studies have found that six million Americans are exposed to PFAS at limits above that set by the EPA health advisory limit. Even today, PFAS is still found in drinking water sources at hundreds of sites across the country. Every day, a new community is being harmed by these toxic chemicals.