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Some of The Most Frequent Dangerous Chemicals Discovered On or Near Military Installations

       

DDT

Chronic exposure to this chemical could lead to:

  • Studies have shown that veterans who swallowed large amounts of DDT became excitable and had tremors and seizures. They also experienced sweating, headache, nausea, vomiting, and dizziness. These effects on the nervous system went away entirely once exposure stopped.
  • Veterans exposed for a long time to small amounts of DDT have shown minor changes in the levels of liver enzymes in the blood.

  

Dichloroethane
    
Chronic exposure to this chemical could lead to:

  • Veterans who were exposed to 1,2-dichloroethane in the air or who swallowed 1,2-dichloroethane by accident, often developed nervous system disorders and liver and kidney disease.  Problems with lung function also seen after a large amount of 1,2-dichloroethane was inhaled. More often than not, veterans often died from heart failure when exposed to large amounts of 1,2-dichlorethane.
  • Some studies have shown that women exposed to 1,2-dichloroethane had children who developed birth defects, primarily of the heart.

   

Note:  Dichloroethane is primarily used in making chemicals for plastics, rubber and synthetic textile fibers. Also, used as a solvent for resins and fats, photography, photocopying, cosmetics, drugs, and as a fumigant for grains and orchards.

   

   

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

     

     

Dithane

Chronic exposure to this chemical could lead to:

  • Multiple research studies indicates that dithane is rapidly absorbed into the body from the gastrointestinal tract, distributed to various target organs and almost completely excreted from the body in 96 hours or less.

  

Note:  Dithane is primarily used as a fungicide on vegetables, fruits, and some specialty crops.

   

Hexanone
    

Chronic exposure to this chemical could lead to:

Serious dermatitis problems, and could lead to effects on the nervous system.
 

  

   

   

   

    

   

  

    

  

   

Trichloroethylene

Chronic exposure to this chemical could lead to:

  • Ataxia (the loss of full control of certain bodily movements or all body movements)
  • Decreased appetite
  • Dizziness
  • Vertigo (the false feeling someone may have of rotating, rocking, or spinning, while being perfectly still)
  • Emotional instability (i.e., quick tempered, easily frustrated, chronic depression, anxiety, etc)
  • Fatigue
  • Constant headaches
  • Impaired judgment (a condition that mimics PTSD-like symptoms)
  • Memory loss (mostly short-term memory loss)
  • Frequent skin problems (i.e., rashes, inflammation, unexplained moles, etc.)
  • Frequent gastrointestinal problems (i.e., constipation, diarrhea, bloated abdomen, pain, etc).
  • Central nervous system problems (i.e., peripheral neuropathy, problems with balance, problems with walking, etc.)
  • Kidney problems
  • Liver problems

Most Contaminated Military Bases

   

Identifying the "most contaminated" military base can be complex, as contamination levels can vary based on the type of pollution, the specific contaminants involved, and the time period. However, some bases are frequently mentioned in major reports due to significant environmental issues:

      

Camp Lejeune, North Carolina

Camp Lejeune is often cited due to its history of water contamination. From the 1950s to the 1980s, the base's drinking water was contaminated with harmful chemicals, including volatile organic compounds (VOCs) like trichloroethylene (TCE) and perchloroethylene (PCE). This contamination has been linked to various health issues among service members, veterans, and their families.

    

Fort McClellan, Alabama

Known for contamination from various toxic substances, including heavy metals and chemical agents.

       

Hamilton Air Force Base, California

Formerly a major maintenance base, it has contamination from various solvents and chemicals.

       

Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Washington

Has had issues with PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances) in water supplies.

           

If you or someone you know has health concerns related to military service or base contamination, it's important to seek appropriate medical advice and consider reaching out to organizations that support affected veterans and their families.