Illinois Veterans Are Still Fighting a Battle Against Toxic Exposure

The nation’s duty to its service members does not end when their active duty does—it continues until their retirement, manifested through the protection of their health, homes, and the families who share in their sacrifices. And this truth takes on deeper resonance each November, when the country observes Veterans Day and the National Veterans and Military Families Month. 

In Illinois—especially across Chicago and Cook County—these commemorations serve as a reminder of a reality often overlooked: the lasting repercussions of veterans’ toxic exposure. In this context, gratitude must extend beyond mere ceremony and be proven through accountability and, most importantly, lasting care.

Illinois Veterans Enduring the Effects of Toxic Exposure

For generations, Illinois has been a pivotal force in numerous major battles throughout US history—from French colonization and the American Revolution to World War I and World War II. Unfortunately, much of this proud legacy has been quietly compromised by the lasting impact of toxic substances, which were widely used for decades in military facilities throughout Illinois and the rest of the country. 

At the forefront of this crisis is asbestos—a natural mineral once prized for its strength, heat resistance, and affordability. Accordingly, these qualities made it a common choice in the production and maintenance of naval vessels, aircraft hangars, tanks, trucks, and other essential equipment at military facilities such as the Naval Station Great Lakes in North Chicago. Yet the very fibers that made asbestos so advantageous have also been proven highly toxic, as they can trigger the development of fatal illnesses over time. The consequences of this issue have been reflected in state records; an updated interactive map revealed that between 1999 and 2017, Illinois experienced 12,067 asbestos-associated casualties, with 3,863 occurring in Cook County. 

The dangers faced by veterans in the Prairie State, however, are not limited to a single hazard. Recent testing has also revealed that many installations here, including the Army National Guard Armory in Chicago, have been severely contaminated by per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS)—also called “forever chemicals.” These synthetic compounds became indispensable in military operations as early as the 1960s, primarily due to their ability to resist water, heat, stains, and even grease. 

Many people were unaware that PFAS are difficult to break down and can even persist in the environment and human body for decades, quietly spreading outside the affected military zones. As a result, exposure is not limited to service members working and living on polluted sites—it also affects their families and the local community. This ongoing crisis underscores how the drastic tolls of military service can ripple far beyond the battlefield.

November Traditions Calling for Immediate and Tangible Reforms 

Illinois has long honored its veterans. But recognition alone cannot repair the lasting harms of service—meaningful action is required to ensure their health, safety, and well-being. Amidst this, the Honoring Our PACT Act presented a significant step forward by expanding access to vital healthcare services and providing compensation. Since its ratification in 2022, the program has already catered to over 2.9 million applications—including nearly 71,400 from Illinois. Of these, roughly two million were approved, and more than $6.8 billion in aid has been delivered just in 2024.

Meanwhile, additional measures—such as the recently announced major survivor benefit reforms and the VA Home Loan Program—are also set to provide vital support to the families of fallen service members as well as veterans struggling with their unpaid mortgages. However, while these efforts show improvement, they also underscore the ongoing need to safeguard such a population. 

This is because until now, many veterans and their families have faced difficulties navigating the claims procedure and dealing with persistent bureaucratic, medical, and financial issues. It emphasizes that legislation alone is insufficient—real progress depends on ensuring that these programs translate into tangible improvements that benefit both former service members and their loved ones. Only through consistent oversight and strong implementation of such initiatives can Illinois and the nation truly honor the sacrifices its veterans and their families have made.

About the Author

Cristina Johnson is a Navy veteran advocate for Asbestos Ships Organization, a nonprofit whose primary mission is to raise awareness and educate veterans about the dangers of asbestos exposure on Navy ships and assist them in navigating the VA claims process. For more information, please visit our page.