Among the potentially deadly chemicals are perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS) and perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA), which are both used to extinguish aircraft fires.
More than 20 cancer cases have been reported between Satellite and Cocoa beaches in Brevard County, Florida [file photo] The report revealed no testing was conducted off the base located between Satellite and Cocoa beaches in Brevard County – despite a spate of cancer cases in the area.
Concerned residents have been holding meetings to discuss the issue.
Prieto said that she knew of six or seven classmates from Satellite High School who were also diagnosed with uncommon cancers when she was diagnosed but that she now knows of about 20 in total.
‘We could all be linked because of this common source and from there it’s just, it’s amazing how many stories we have now,’ she told ABC news.
‘It’s alarming, it’s very alarming, and the information that’s come out in these citizen meetings, it’s eye-opening.’
Experts analyzed samples taken from the water near Florida’s Patrick Air Force Base and Cape Canaveral Air Force Station [file photo] And there are fears worried that several schools in the area may be contaminated with the affected ground water.
‘As the mother of two beachside students, and a person who grew up in Satellite Beach and was diagnosed with thyroid cancer in 2010, I have many of the same questions and concerns as our community,’ said school board member Tina Descovich.
These tests are important for our peace of mind and I look forward to receiving the results.’
According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention, the chemicals have also been known to cause birth defects, liver damage, thyroid damage, increased uric acid levels, increased cholesterol and damage to the immune system.