Fort Bragg is a significant United States Army installation located in Fayetteville, North Carolina. Established in 1918, it is one of the largest military bases globally and is home to various military units and organizations. Fort Bragg is renowned for its role in training and deploying airborne and special operations forces, such as the 82nd Airborne Division and the United States Army Special Operations Command (USASOC). The base’s history includes its use as a training center during World War II and its continued significance in supporting military operations worldwide. It features a vast expanse of facilities, including training areas, airfields, barracks, and administrative buildings.
Health-Related Concerns and Chemicals: Veterans who served at Fort Bragg and other military bases may have concerns related to exposure to certain chemicals during their service. These chemicals include:
- PFAs (Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances): PFAs are a group of synthetic chemicals that were historically used in firefighting foam (Aqueous Film-Forming Foam or AFFF), as well as in various other applications on military bases. Prolonged exposure to PFAs may potentially be linked to health issues, including certain cancers.
- PFOS (Perfluorooctane Sulfonate) and PFOA (Perfluorooctanoic Acid): These are specific types of PFAs that have been associated with potential health risks, including an increased risk of cancer, if individuals were exposed to them at elevated levels.
- Aqueous Film-Forming Foam (AFFF): AFFF, which contains PFAS, was historically used in firefighting and fire suppression exercises on military bases, including Fort Bragg. Exposure to AFFF may raise concerns about PFAS-related health effects.
- PCBs (Polychlorinated Biphenyls): PCBs were used in various applications, including electrical equipment, at military installations. Prolonged exposure to PCBs may potentially increase the risk of certain cancers, although their use has been significantly restricted since the 1970s.
- Asbestos: Asbestos was widely used in construction materials and insulation in older military buildings, including those at Fort Bragg. Asbestos exposure is associated with an increased risk of lung cancer, mesothelioma, and other respiratory diseases.
Cancers Potentially Related to Chemical Exposures: Exposure to these chemicals may potentially be associated with an increased risk of various cancers, including but not limited to:
- Lung Cancer: Asbestos exposure, as well as exposure to certain firefighting chemicals, can contribute to an elevated risk of lung cancer.
- Kidney Cancer: Some studies have suggested possible links between PFAS exposure and an increased risk of kidney cancer.
- Bladder Cancer: Exposure to certain chemicals, including PFAS and PCBs, may be associated with an elevated risk of bladder cancer.
- Testicular Cancer: There have been some limited associations between military service and testicular cancer, but further research is needed to establish definitive links.
- Prostate Cancer: While primarily influenced by age and genetics, there is ongoing research into potential connections between military exposures and prostate cancer.
It’s essential for veterans who served at Fort Bragg and other military bases to stay informed about potential chemical exposures during their service and to seek healthcare through the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) if they have concerns about their health. Regular medical check-ups and discussions with healthcare providers can help address potential health risks associated with military service and chemical exposures.