Initially named Muroc Air Force Base and serving as a remote bombing range in the ‘30s, Edwards Air Force Base became a significant bomber training base during World War II. It got its current name in 1950 after Capt. Glen Edwards – a war veteran and test pilot. Edwards Air Force Base is the second-largest Air Force base, located in California. It is home to the Air Force Flight Test Center, Air Force Test Pilot School, and NASA’s Armstrong Flight Research Center, each with its own breakthroughs and worldwide achievements. Some of the commendable activities performed at Edwards Air Force Base include conducting research, developing, testing aerospace and weapons systems, and providing support for assigned personnel.
The two most notorious PFAS compounds found at Edwards Air Force Base, PFOA and PFOS, have been used since the ‘70s to put down aircraft fires. They are known as “forever chemicals” because they do not break down even when released into the environment, building up in human organs and tissue.
The large amounts of fuel and solvents that have been spilled, along with poor disposal practices, are factors that have heavily contributed to the subsurface and groundwater contamination. However, the primary source of PFAS present at Edwards Air Force Base is AFFF, or aqueous film-forming foam, developed in the ‘60s and extensively used to put down petroleum and jet fuel fires.
According to the latest test performed in 2018, the PFAS concentration detected at Edwards Air Force Base was 277,000 parts per trillion, including PFOS, PFOA, and PFBS. The site ranks 40th on the Environmental Working Group's list of the top 100 most polluted military bases.
Edwards Air Force Base is a Superfund site – a tremendous risk factor for human health and the environment. Due to the high levels of PFAS contamination that exceed the Environmental Protection Agency advisory level, service members are provided drinking water until the groundwater and soil are decontaminated. The development of a cleanup plan for Edwards Air Force Base has begun, with monitoring and control phases already in full force.
Two of the most prevalent chemicals from the PFAS group present at Edwards Air Force Base are PFOS and PFOA, both carcinogenic. Everyone stationed there is at significant risk of developing severe health conditions. The following are some of the other toxic agents found at Edwards Air Force Base:
Everyone stationed or living near Edwards Air Force Base may have been exposed to these hazardous substances by either inhalation or ingestion and is at risk of accumulating chemicals in the blood and developing life-threatening conditions.
Cancer is undoubtedly the most horrific disease that PFAS exposure can result in. Nevertheless, these harmful chemicals can generate other severe conditions as well. The health problems that people can develop from exposure to PFAS, as well as the diagnoses that make them eligible for compensation, are:
If you received any of these diagnoses, please give us a call right away to provide you with quality legal assistance to recover financial reparations for your suffering.
Veterans and family members stationed at Edwards Air Force Base are at high risk of developing severe health conditions as a result of PFAS exposure. Our team of professionals has been handling toxic exposure cases for over 35 years and can help you pursue the damages you deserve. We will thoroughly analyze your situation and establish if you qualify for compensation.
Our process is quick and easy, 10 minutes over the phone. If you meet the criteria of eligibility a skilled PFAS lawyers file file a toxic exposure claim on your behalf as soon as possible.