Location: Rock Island, IL 61201
Years of Operation: 1862-Present
Base Background
The Rock Island Arsenal was established in 1862. This site played a significant role in the civil war, acting as a prison camp. Following the war, the military used Rock Island Arsenal to store weapons and other supplies. Personnel on the base began producing weapons after World War I. Today, the arsenal is still a weapons manufacturing and support facility, as well as a national monument. This location sits directly beside the Illinois-Iowa border.
Known Toxins
The following chart outlines the toxins associated with this military location and the potential effects of exposure.*
| Toxin | Potential Effects |
| PFAS (Firefighting Foam) | Increased cholesterol Reproductive, developmental, liver, kidney, and immunological issues in laboratory animals. Tumors in animals. (Source) |
If you were stationed at Rock Island Arsenal, you may be eligible for compensation for illnesses connected to toxic exposure.
*Effects are according to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention’s Agency for Toxic Substances & Disease Registry unless otherwise noted.
Base Sources:
