Did you serve as a firefighter, military service member, or work at a military installation after 1960? If so, you may have been exposed to dangerous chemicals that are now linked to serious health conditions.

Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), commonly found in aqueous film-forming foam (AFFF), have been used extensively in firefighting and military operations for decades. What many didn’t know at the time was that these “forever chemicals” could lead to devastating health consequences years later.

What Are PFAS and Why Are They Dangerous?

PFAS are synthetic chemicals that have been used in industry and consumer products since the 1940s. They’re called “forever chemicals” because they don’t break down naturally and can accumulate in the human body over time. AFFF contains PFAS and has been the gold standard for fighting fuel-related fires at airports, military bases, and fire training facilities.

Unfortunately, these chemicals don’t disappear after use. They contaminate groundwater, soil, and air, creating long-term exposure risks for anyone who worked with or around them.

Health Conditions Linked to PFAS Exposure

Scientific studies have identified several cancers and diseases with strong connections to PFAS exposure. The most highly linked conditions include:

Cancers:

  • Kidney Cancer: Typically develops around 10 years after exposure, though aggressive forms can appear sooner
  • Testicular Cancer: Can appear five years after exposure
  • Liver Cancer: Generally appears 12+ years after initial exposure
  • Thyroid Cancer: May develop five years after exposure

Other Serious Conditions:

  • Thyroid Disease – Hypothyroidism, hyperthyroidism, or Hashimoto’s disease can develop around two years after exposure.
  • Ulcerative Colitis – This inflammatory bowel condition can appear two years after exposure.

Are You Eligible for Compensation?

If you meet the following criteria, you may be entitled to compensation.

Who Qualifies?

  • Served as a firefighter or related personnel after 1960
  • Experienced at least 10 exposures to AFFF/PFAS over four or more years
  • Currently between your early 20s and 80s
  • Have been diagnosed with a qualifying health condition

High-Risk Military Installations

If you served at any of these military bases, your risk of PFAS exposure may be particularly high due to extensive AFFF use:

  • AL: Fort Rucker, Maxwell-Gunter AFB
  • AK: Eareckson AFB, Fort Wainwright, Galena AFS
  • AZ: Camp Navajo, Silver Bell Army Heliport
  • CA: Castle AFB, Crows NALF, George AFB, JFTB–Los Alamitos, March AFB, MCLB–Barstow, Mather AFB, McClellan AFB, Norton AFB, Fort Ord, Parks RFTA, Sharpe Army Depot, Travis AFB
  • CO: Buckley AFB, Lowry AFB, Schriever AFB
  • FL: Corry Station, Eglin AFB, Marianna RC, NAS Cecil Field, Ocala RC, Patrick AFB, Saufley Field
  • GA: Air Force Plant 6, Fort Benning, Fort Gordon, Gillem Annex, Moody AFB, Robins AFB
  • GU: Guam U.S. Naval Activities
  • IL: Great Lakes NS, Rock Island Arsenal, Scott AFB
  • IN: Terre Haute NG Site
  • IA: Iowa Army Ammunition Plant
  • KS: Fort Leavenworth
  • KY: Fort Campbell
  • LA: Barksdale AFB
  • ME: Bangor TS, Brunswick NAS, Loring AFB
  • MD: Fort Detrick, Gunpowder MR
  • MA: Fort Devens, Natick SSC, NAS South Weymouth
  • MI: Camp Grayling, KI Sawyer AFB, Wurtsmith AFB – Former
  • MS: NAS Meridian
  • MO: Fort Leonard Wood, Whiteman AFB
  • NV: NAS Fallon
  • NH: NH NG TS –Strafford, Pease AFB
  • NJ: Picatinny Arsenal, Trenton NAWC-AD
  • NM: Holloman AFB
  • NY: Camp Smith, Fort Drum, Plattsburgh AFB
  • NC: Fort Bragg, Military Ocean Terminal Sunny Point, Seymour Johnson AFB
  • ND: Camp Grafton
  • OH: Newark AFB
  • OK: Altus AFB, Tinker AFB
  • PA: North Penn BRAC, Tobyhanna Army Depot, Warminster NAWC AD, Willow Grove NASJRB
  • PR: Muñiz ANG Base
  • RI: Coventry TS, North Smithfield
  • SC: Fort Jackson
  • SD: Ellsworth AFB
  • TN: Fort Campbell, Holston Army Ammunition Plant
  • TX: Dyess AFB, Fort Bliss, JBSA – Lackland AFB, JBSA – Randolph AFB, Reese AFB
  • VT: Camp Ethan Allen TS
  • VA: Langley-Eustis JB, Vint Hill Farms
  • WA: Fairchild AFB, JBLM, NAS Whidbey Island, Yakima TC

This represents only a partial list of affected installations. PFAS contamination has been documented at hundreds of military sites across the United States.

Time Is Running Out

The window for filing PFAS-related claims is rapidly closing due to recent developments in litigation timelines. If you’ve been diagnosed with any of the conditions listed above and have a history of PFAS exposure, immediate action is essential.

Legal deadlines in mass tort cases like this are firm, and waiting too long could mean losing your right to seek compensation entirely. PFAS litigation is complex, involving intricate scientific evidence, medical documentation, and exposure history.

At Dudley DeBosier Injury Lawyers, we understand the unique challenges these cases present, and we will work tirelessly to get you the compensation you deserve for your medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering.

Take Action Today

Your service to our communities and country should not come at the cost of your health. Contact Dudley DeBosier today for a free consultation, and let us fight for the support and justice you need.