AFFF Lawsuit Navy Boot Camp

The Legacy of AFFF Use at Naval Station Great Lakes

Naval Station Great Lakes has a long and storied past as a critical training facility for the U.S. Navy.

Founded in 1911, Naval Station Great Lakes has long served as the Navy’s largest training facility and only boot camp.

Key facts about the base’s history:

• Established near North Chicago, IL, to train recruits from across the Midwest
• Dedicated by President Howard Taft in 1911, with an initial capacity of 1,500 recruits
• Expanded significantly during World Wars I and II, when recruits lived in makeshift tent cities
• Nicknamed “The Quarterdeck of the Navy” for its role in shaping new sailors

Today, over 40,000 recruits still pass through Great Lakes each year to complete basic training. The base is also home to advanced training schools for many specialties.

Unfortunately, the decades-long use of AFFF firefighting foam at Great Lakes has led to widespread contamination. Many who lived and worked on the base were unknowingly exposed to toxic PFAS chemicals.

Base’s Role in Navy Training Programs

Naval Station Great Lakes plays a vital role in shaping new sailors.

It provides basic training as well as advanced technical instruction.

The base is home to several major training commands:

• Recruit Training Command – The Navy’s only boot camp
• Training Support Center – Provides specialized skill training
• Navy Recruiting District Chicago – Coordinates regional recruiting efforts

Over 40,000 recruits complete basic training at Great Lakes annually.

The base has trained millions of sailors throughout its history, including many military firefighters who would later be exposed to AFFF firefighting foam.

Unfortunately, many of these individuals were unknowingly exposed to firefighting foam containing harmful chemicals during their training and service.

How AFFF Exposure Can Impact Your Health

Recent revelations about chemical contamination have raised alarms about toxic exposure at Naval Station Great Lakes.

PFAS compounds in firefighting foam pose serious risks to human health.

The use of toxic firefighting foams at military installations has become a significant concern for veterans and environmental advocates alike.

PFAS Contamination at Great Lakes Base

PFAS chemicals have been detected in concerning levels at the Illinois base.

These substances come primarily from the historical use of aqueous film-forming foam (AFFF).

Sources of PFAS contamination at Great Lakes include:

• Decades of AFFF use in firefighter training
• Accidental releases during emergencies
• Storage and disposal of AFFF products
• Runoff from contaminated soils
• Other serious health conditions

Testing has found PFAS in both groundwater and drinking water sources at the base.

This puts both military personnel and nearby residents at increased risk of exposure to toxic firefighting foam.

The Environmental Protection Agency has been actively involved in assessing the extent of contamination and developing guidelines for PFAS levels in drinking water.

Health Risks from AFFF Chemical Exposure

PFAS chemicals found in AFFF firefighting foam are extremely persistent in the environment and human body. Exposure to these substances can pose health risks that may not appear until long after service.

Sources of PFAS contamination at Great Lakes have included:

• Routine use of AFFF in training drills and emergency response for decades
• Leaks and spills from AFFF storage or disposal
• Release of PFAS into soil, groundwater, and surface water on and around the base
• Potential contamination of drinking water sources used by base personnel and families

AFFF was widely used by the military and other industries before the dangers of PFAS were fully understood. Today, evolving research continues to uncover new links between AFFF exposure and long-term health effects.

If you or a loved one spent time at Great Lakes and later developed cancer or another serious illness, exposure to AFFF may be the cause. Evaluating your legal options can be an important step in seeking justice.

PFAS from AFFF: A Lasting Environmental Threat

The use of AFFF at Naval Station Great Lakes has left a lasting environmental legacy.

Contamination of water resources poses ongoing challenges for the base and surrounding community.

Water Contamination at Naval Station

PFAS chemicals from firefighting foam have infiltrated both surface and groundwater at Great Lakes.

This impacts drinking water quality for the base and neighboring areas.

Key findings on water contamination include:

• PFAS detected above EPA health advisory levels
• Contamination of Lake Michigan, the base’s main water source
• Potential spread to private wells in nearby communities
• Concerns about bioaccumulation in fish and wildlife

Annual water quality reports show ongoing PFAS presence, though levels have decreased.

The full extent of contamination from PFAS-containing firefighting foam is still being investigated.

Cleanup Efforts and Superfund Status

While not on the National Priorities List, Naval Station Great Lakes is undergoing environmental remediation.

The Navy and EPA are working to address contamination across the base.

Current cleanup activities involve:

• Investigating 27 potentially contaminated sites
• Groundwater and soil testing
• Evaluating treatment options for PFAS removal
• Long-term monitoring of affected areas

Complete remediation will likely take years due to the persistent nature of PFAS.

The Navy continues to assess the scope of contamination and necessary cleanup actions, including addressing areas where AFFF firefighting foam was used to combat fires involving flammable liquids.

Pursuing an AFFF Lawsuit: What Veterans Should Know

Veterans and families impacted by AFFF exposure at Great Lakes may have legal options.

Recent firefighting foam lawsuits seek compensation for those harmed by PFAS contamination.

Eligibility for AFFF Lawsuit Compensation

Certain individuals may qualify to file claims related to AFFF exposure at Naval Station Great Lakes.

Eligibility depends on several factors.

Requirements for AFFF lawsuit participation typically include:

• At least one year cumulative time spent at the base
• Diagnosis of a qualifying health condition
• Medical evidence linking the illness to PFAS exposure
• Filing within applicable statutes of limitation

Family members who lived on base may also be eligible in some cases.

An experienced attorney can assess individual eligibility to file an AFFF lawsuit.

Filing Process for Navy AFFF Claims

Taking legal action over AFFF exposure involves several steps.

Veterans should understand the process before pursuing a claim.

The general process for filing an AFFF lawsuit includes:

1. Free case evaluation with qualified firefighting foam lawyers
2. Gathering medical records and exposure evidence
3. Determining the appropriate legal venue
4. Filing a formal complaint against liable parties, including firefighting foam manufacturers
5. Engaging in discovery and settlement negotiations
6. Proceeding to trial if a settlement is not reached

Working with a law firm experienced in military toxic exposure cases is advisable.

They can guide veterans through the complex legal process, including potential involvement in the AFFF firefighting foam MDL (multidistrict litigation).

AFFF Lawsuit Navy: Health Consequences

Exposure to PFAS chemicals in firefighting foam is associated with various adverse health effects.

Veterans should be aware of potential AFFF-related illnesses that may qualify for firefighting foam cancer lawsuits.

Cancer Types Linked to AFFF Exposure

Research has connected PFAS exposure to increased cancer risks.

Several types of cancer may qualify for AFFF lawsuit compensation.

Cancers potentially linked to firefighting foam exposure include:

• Kidney cancer
• Testicular cancer
• Pancreatic cancer
• Liver cancer
• Bladder cancer
• Prostate cancer
• Other forms of cancer

The strength of scientific evidence varies for different cancer types.

An attorney can advise on which diagnoses may qualify for legal action in AFFF lawsuits.

Other Diseases Associated with PFAS

Besides cancer, PFAS exposure is linked to other health issues.

Veterans may seek compensation for several non-cancer conditions.

Additional diseases potentially related to AFFF exposure include:

• Thyroid disease
• Ulcerative colitis
• Preeclampsia in pregnant women
• High cholesterol
• Decreased vaccine response in children
• Other serious health conditions

As research continues, more health effects may be connected to PFAS.

Veterans should monitor their health and report concerns to their doctors, especially if they were exposed to AFFF during their service.

TruLaw: AFFF Lawsuit Assistance

Veterans seeking justice for AFFF exposure can find support through TruLaw.

Free Case Evaluation for Navy Veterans

TruLaw provides no-cost case reviews for affected veterans.

This helps determine eligibility for participation in the AFFF lawsuit.

Our free case evaluation process involves the following:

1. Confidential consultation with experienced firefighting foam lawyers
2. Review of medical records and service history
3. Assessment of potential claim strength
4. Explanation of legal options and next steps

Veterans can get answers about their rights without financial obligation.

This allows for informed decisions about pursuing a claim related to AFFF firefighting foam exposure.

Legal Support for AFFF Lawsuit Claimants

For eligible veterans, TruLaw offers comprehensive legal representation.

Our team guides clients through every stage of the AFFF lawsuit process.

Services provided to AFFF lawsuit claimants include:

• Collecting and organizing evidence of exposure to AFFF firefighting foam
• Securing expert medical opinions on health impacts
• Filing required legal documents for AFFF firefighting foam lawsuits
• Negotiating with defendants for fair settlements
• Representing clients’ interests in court if needed

With experienced toxic exposure attorneys, TruLaw fights for maximum compensation for affected veterans.

We strive to hold responsible parties, including firefighting foam manufacturers, accountable for AFFF contamination and its impact on human health.

Veterans and their families who were exposed to AFFF may have legal recourse through firefighting foam lawsuits.

As the scientific understanding of PFAS health impacts grows and AFFF lawsuits progress, it’s crucial for those affected to understand their rights and options.

TruLaw stands ready to assist veterans in navigating the legal landscape of AFFF firefighting foam MDL and individual claims, fighting for the compensation and justice they deserve.