"The Pentagon’s inspector general is examining the military’s use of a dangerous but ubiquitous class of man-made chemicals that has leached into the drinking water of millions of Americans, including many living near military bases across the country.

The compounds — known as polyfluoroalkyl and perfluoroalkyl substances, or PFASs — have for years been used in specialized firefighting foams on military bases.

Now the military’s watchdog agency will assess the legacy of using those chemicals. Among the questions the inspector general's office may address are what the Pentagon knew about the dangers posed by the chemicals, how well the military has communicated those risks to service members and how quickly it plans to phase out their use."

Dino Grandoni reports for the Washington Post October 15, 2019. [2]