Marine Spouse Battles Navy Over Atsugi's Contamination
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While we faithfully served our country, military dependents, were exposed to high levels of Dioxin, Heavy Metals, PCBs, VOC and more toxic chemicals that exceeded Maximum Contaminant Levels. The DON knew they were putting families at risk by stationing them at NAF Atsugi, Japan.
Military personnel and dependents deserve the truth and medical care.
U.S.Navy monitors toxic incinerator near Naval Air Facility Atsugi in Kawnagawa Prefecture
Video shows base resident’s viewpoint of the Jinkanpo/ Shinkampo incinerator at NAF Atsugi, Japan
Why did the Navy continue to assign military dependents to a residential toxic wasteland?
The Naval Air Facility Atsugi, Japan was polluted by the Jinkanpo / Shinkampo or SIC (Shinkampo Incinerator Complex) for almost 20 years. The incinerator was built in the 1980’s and shut down in 2001 when the U.S. Dept of Justice sued the owner of the incinerator. The Navy conducted air quality studies and health risk assessments from 1988 - 2001 - A new report on NAF Atsugi risks was released on 3 June 2008. Current reports and epi studies are currently underway.
We request the Navy be proactive regarding this issue and provide the following recommendations:
Prepare a health survey with the guidance of an Occupational Toxicologist for everyone that was exposed and ensure an epidemiological study is executed without bias intent of results and utilize a cohort that was NOT exposed to toxic chemicals.
Notify all exposed personnel of the health risks associated toxic exposure that was assigned to NAF Atsugi, Japan via the media and individual notification.
Notify and educate all Naval Hospitals, Clinics, Veterans Health Care Centers and Tri-care Network physicians and staff of the toxic chemical exposure at NAF Atsugi, Japan.
Coordinate approval with TRICARE for test submitted by physicians for diagnostics tests.
Start a registry as recommended by the 2008 Battelle report
Provide annual medical examinations to include thyroid, liver, and kidney functioning assessments as well as screening and testing for the early detection ofcancer as recommended by the American Cancer Society (ACS) for all military, prior military personnel and their dependents that were stationed at NAF Atsugi and provide medical care as required.
Ensure Veterans and their dependents are compensated for toxic exposure related illnesses.
