Chanute Air Force Base Faces Lawsuit For Chemicals Found In Water

Unsafe Premises - December 11, 2024

The Decommissioned Chanute Air Force Base Facing Lawsuits for ‘Forever Chemicals’ PFAS Found in Soil and Groundwater

Chanute Air Force Base Faces Lawsuit For Chemicals Found In Water

CHAMPAIGN COUNTY, ILLINOIS (December 11, 2024) – The decommissioned Chanute Air Force Base is facing lawsuits for allegedly exposing people to forever chemicals.

The incident began in 1970 when the Air Force base began using Aqueous Film Forming Foam (AFFF) to extinguish petroleum fires. Officials at the facility continued to use and store AFB and AFFF until the base closed in 1993.

The Air Force is currently working with the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency in order to ensure that steps are taken to address the presence of forever chemicals at the Chanute Air Force Base. A site inspection in 2018 revealed the presence of PFAS in the soil, groundwater, stormwater, surface water, and sediment.

Efforts to determine the full extent of the contamination remain ongoing at this time.

Liability for Injuries Caused by Exposure to Forever Chemicals

Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are a diverse group of chemicals that are found in all sorts of products. According to the Food and Drug Administration, “PFAS in the environment can enter the food supply through crops and animals grown, raised, or processed in contaminated areas. It is also possible for very small amounts of PFAS to enter foods through food packaging, processing, and cookware.” These chemicals are associated with a number of very serious illnesses.

  • Testicular cancer
  • Kidney cancer
  • Breast cancer
  • Prostate cancer
  • Bladder cancer

Depending on the facts of any case, there could be numerous sources of liability for any instance where a person develops an illness from PFAS exposure. For example, these industrial waste products are often used at dry cleaners and other commercial businesses. If they fail to properly dispose of chemicals that seep into the water supply or ground soil, this could form the basis of a negligence claim. It is important that certain steps are taken after exposure to PFAS.

  • Medical records related to the exposure should be collected.
  • The source of the exposure should be determined.
  • An experienced personal injury attorney should be contacted.

Many of the illnesses associated with long-term exposure to PFAS may not be immediately obvious. In fact, many people may not even realize that they were ever exposed until many years after it took place. It is important for victims of PFAS exposure to understand that they do have legal rights. They are able to seek some measure of justice through a personal injury claim. A personal injury attorney can examine the unique facts of your case and let you know what your legal options are.

Getting Legal Help for Injuries Caused by Exposure to PFAS

We at Horwitz Horwitz & Associates extend our best wishes to all of the people who have been exposed to forever chemicals at Chanute Air Force Base. There needs to be a thorough investigation into the full scope of the exposure. Any person that may have more information should reach out to the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency.

Have you or someone that you care about been exposed to forever chemicals at Chanute Air Force Base? You may have legal recourse. Our team of personal injury attorneys is here to help in any way that we can. We care deeply that victims of PFAS exposure are aware of their rights and that those rights are being protected. Whether you just have legal questions or need any type of support, we are here for you. You can reach out to us anytime at (312) 564-4256.