Chanute Air Force Base
Base Background
Chanute Air Force Base in Rantoul, Illinois opened in 1917 as a World War I pilot training school. Following the war, the site briefly closed before reopening as a technical training center. The site trained Air Corps mechanics to maintain aircrafts and ground support equipment. They also focused on metal processing. Flight operations ended in 1971, transitioning it to a non-flying training base until the base officially closed in 1993. Throughout its operational history, Chanute AFB generated significant environmental contamination from various military activities.
Toxic Exposure at Chanute AFB
The primary sources of hazardous substances involved oil-water separators, underground storage tanks, fuel distribution lines, firing/skeet ranges, fire training pits, sludge pits, and multiple landfills. In December 2000, the southeastern 300 acres of Chanute AFB (OU-2) was proposed for listing on the National Priorities List.
PFAS Contamination
Testing in 2014 revealed levels of Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) at 644,000 parts per trillion. PFAS compounds can persist indefinitely in the environment and are associated with numerous health concerns. Their presence at Chanute is primarily attributed to the use of aqueous film-forming foam (AFFF) in firefighting training exercises. Learn more about VA claims for AFF exposure.
Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs)
VOCs such as trichloroethylene (TCE) and benzene have also been identified in groundwater and soil sampling throughout the base. These chemicals cause a variety of health issues ranging from neurological conditions to cancer.
Chanute Air Force Base and Agent Orange
There is currently no proof that Agent Orange was used or stored at Chanute Air Force Base and the VA has not recognized it as an Agent Orange location.
Asbestos
Like many other U.S. Air Force bases, Chanute was contaminated with asbestos throughout its operation. The carcinogenic material was used in base infrastructure, buildings, and aircraft parts including brakes, electrical insulation, and engine shields. The contamination was so pervasive that years after military operations had been discontinued, the Air Force was required to pay for asbestos abatement to clear tons of the carcinogen that had been left behind.
If you developed a medical condition related to toxic exposure after living or working at or near the base, you may be eligible for compensation. Get a free case evaluation here to explore your legal options.
Known Toxins
The following chart outlines the medical conditions associated with toxic exposure at this base, classified by the strength of evidence required (strong, good or limited).* Please keep in mind that it is not a complete list.
| Toxin | Potential Effects | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Strong | Good | Limited | ||
| PFAS (Firefighting Foam) | Potential Effects | - | - | Testicular cancer, Renal (kidney) cancer, Prostate cancer |
*Effects are according to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention’s Agency for Toxic Substances & Disease Registry unless otherwise noted.
Getting Compensation: VA Claims and Lawsuits
Veterans and civilians who lived or worked near the Chanute Air Force may be able to receive compensation if they developed health conditions associated with toxic exposure. This would require:
Documenting the time spent at the base using service records and other documentation
Gathering comprehensive medical evidence
Obtaining expert medical opinions to establish a link between the diagnosed medical conditions and the toxic exposure
Making a VA disability claim or pursuing a lawsuit
To win your case, you will likely need assistance from an experienced VA disability lawyer who can fight on your behalf and maximize compensation.
For a free case evaluation, please call us on 1-888-477-2363. We specialize in disability law and work on a contingency basis, with no upfront fees.