PCBs

PCBs (Polychlorinated biphenyls) are a group of synthetic chemicals that were widely used in various industrial and commercial applications, such as coolants for electrical equipment, hydraulic fluids, and flame retardants. PCBs are persistent, bioaccumulative, and potentially toxic, and exposure has been linked to a range of health effects, including skin problems, liver damage, and an increased risk of certain cancers.

Military veterans may be at an increased risk of PCB exposure because of their past work with military equipment that contained PCBs, such as transformers and capacitors. Veterans who worked in jobs such as electricians, mechanics, and heavy equipment operators may have been exposed to PCBs, especially if proper safety precautions were not taken.

Exposure to PCBs has been linked to an increased risk of several types of cancer, including liver cancer, biliary tract cancer, and non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma. Veterans who were exposed to PCBs during their military service may be at an increased risk of developing these types of cancers.

PCBs have been found at many military installations and former industrial sites, and veterans who were stationed at or near these sites may have been exposed to PCBs through contaminated air, water, and soil. Veterans who were exposed to PCBs and have developed cancer may be eligible for health care and other benefits from the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA).

The VA provides a range of benefits and services for eligible veterans who have been exposed to environmental hazards and have developed cancer, including health care, disability compensation, and vocational rehabilitation. Additionally, the VA has established programs to address environmental hazards at military installations and to monitor the health of veterans who may have been exposed to PCBs and other environmental contaminants.

Related Bases:

McClellan Air Force Base

Camp Lejeune

Fort Hood

Fort Bragg

Anniston Army Depot