By: Yvonne Dempsey
In recent years, we’ve seen a growing list of military bases with chemical contamination. PFAS, or per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, are a group of man-made chemicals used in products to make them resistant to heat, oil, stains, grease, and water. Perhaps, the most familiar incorporation of PFAS into a consumer product is non-stick cookware. Unfortunately, exposure to high levels of these chemicals have been linked to disorders within our immune systems, asthma, decreased fertility, thyroid disease, developmental delays, liver damage, and cancer.
We all have trace amounts of these forever chemicals, but for the military, the risk of exposure to PFAS is of much greater concern because they tend to use products containing higher volumes of PFAS at a much greater frequency than the average consumer ever would. Once PFAS are released into the environment, they can cause contamination to the soil and the groundwater. This contamination then spreads through the consumption of local water and food sources by members of the military and their families.
It’s estimated that 80% of U.S. military bases are known to have elevated levels of PFAS contamination in both soil and water supplies. The issue is significant because that means more than 600,000 service members and their families could have been exposed to PFAS through on-base drinking water.
There are 710 military bases that have contaminated water and soil. England Air Force Base, a former base located near Alexandria, Louisiana, which was closed in 1992, is currently the most contaminated former or current military site in the country. One of the most recognized in recent years is Camp Lejeune, NC. Not only service members but their families who also lived and/or worked on this base from August 1, 1953 – December 31, 1987, are now suffering from a plethora of diseases caused by these chemicals. Lawsuits are being filed on behalf of those suffering from the many diseases caused by this contamination. Many veterans in our area are victims currently suffering from any number of these diseases.
My youngest son, Joshua, a Marine gunnery sergeant, has befriended a local Marine veteran who is battling cancer from the contaminated drinking water on bases where he served. Michael Keyes (Lance Corporal) was diagnosed in July 2014 with stage-4 head/neck cancer. After undergoing 35 rounds of radiation and chemo, he got the ‘all-clear’ in March 2015. Unfortunately, that September, the cancer returned, resulting in numerous surgeries over the years. Michael’s first claim for VA benefits was denied, but after seeking help from Congressman Dale Strong’s office and Still Serving Veterans, he was given 10% in November 2024. And this was for a surgery scar on his neck, not his service-related cancer Why?…because his cancer is currently in remission. He has suffered and is still suffering…with much more than a scar. Veterans like Michael need compensation, recognition, and also our support.
If any of you veterans or your family members who may be suffering from any of the following diseases that could be related to your service or working/living on one of the contaminated bases, please seek help. Some long-term health effects include, but are not limited to: immune system damage, cancer, developmental issues, nervous system damage, decreased fertility, birth defects, liver, kidney, and thyroid damage Veterans commonly develop: Cancers – Exposure to toxic substances on military bases, such as Agent Orange, burn pits, and radiation, is linked to various cancers; Respiratory Conditions – Veterans exposed to airborne toxins frequently develop chronic respiratory illnesses; Neurological Disorders – Toxins such as Agent Orange and industrial chemicals can damage the nervous system.
Many military bases are classified as Superfund sites due to their history of hazardous contamination. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) started the “Superfund” program in 1980 when Congress enacted the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act (CERCLA). This program is an effort to clean up land that the EPA has deemed contaminated by hazardous waste and poses a risk to human health and/or the environment.
Over the years, many more bases have been identified as having high rates of contamination. Strides have been made to clean up these areas, but it will take many years and money to do so. However, the effects on veterans has been wide-spread and many veterans and their families are not aware of the damages that these chemicals cause and many have died without knowing the real cause of their disease.
Let’s spread the word. If someone is denied benefits, don’t take ‘No’ for an answer. Get re-evaluated, especially if you feel that you deserve more compensation. Do research, document every doctor visit and test result. Ask for help like Michael did. And please support those who are suffering from service-related disabilities. Don’t let them go it alone.
By: Yvonne Dempsey
April 18, 2025
