June 13, 2023
The number is shocking: at least 704 current and former military bases in the United States are likely to be contaminated by PFAs, or “forever chemicals.”
Just as shocking is that the number of people at military installations drinking contaminated water is believed to be far higher – potentially by hundreds of thousands – than what the Defense Department (DOD) has claimed in a recent report.
PFAs – perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances – are a group of man-made chemicals that don’t break down in the environment and build up in our bodies. They are associated with several diseases, including cancer.
The DOD’s report also downplays the health hazards of forever chemicals. However, a review performed by the Environmental Working Group (EWG) found that a DOD study concerning an assessment of PFAs was incomplete in several ways.
About the DOD Report
In April 2022, the DOD released an assessment of the health effects of PFAs on members of the Armed Forces and veterans. This assessment included:
According to the DOD report, 24 military installations with a combined population of 175,000 people have been impacted by drinking water containing PFOA and PFOS, the two most toxic PFAs. However, it is believed the DOD severely undercounted the number of bases affected by PFA-contaminated water. The EWG maintains that at least 116 installations with a population of over 640,000 have likely been impacted by water containing levels of forever chemicals that would be deemed unsafe by the Environmental Protection Agency.
What is Missing in the DOD Report?
A review of the DOD report by the Environmental Working Group found it was incomplete and contained several information gaps. Aside from undercounting the number of bases impacted by water contaminated with PFAs, the EWG found the report was lacking in the following areas:
What are the Health Effects of PFAs?
Known as “forever chemicals” globally. Even small amounts have been linked to severe adverse health effects, including kidney cancer, low birth weight, harm to the immune and reproductive systems, and an increased risk of asthma and thyroid disease. In addition, PFAs contaminate public drinking water. An EWG and Northeastern University report found that a staggering 19 million people are exposed to contaminated drinking water.
How We Help Victims of Birth Defects
Seek justice with the help of our experienced lawyers. For 20 years, our Dallas, Texas, law firm has battled corporate giants on behalf of individuals like you, aggressively fighting to hold them responsible for dangerous chemicals and the birth defects and personal injuries they cause. If you have suffered from contamination by a dangerous chemical or have a child impacted, we can help.
Our Results
Historic settlement for over 1,300 survivors of clergy and adult abuse within the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Los Angeles, marking a pivotal moment for justice.
A Philadelphia jury awarded a record verdict against ExxonMobil for failing to warn about cancer risks due to benzene in its petroleum products.
Confidential settlement for the wife of a Rhode Island man who died of mesothelioma cancer after exposure to window glazing compound contaminated with asbestos.
That’s the first question everyone asks. The truth is it’s impossible to know. But we can tell you this. Waters Kraus Paul & Siegel has what it takes to fight against big corporate interests and win. That’s why we’ve recovered more than $1.3 billion for clients like you.
