It comes after an independent health panel, established by the federal government, found no current evidence to support claims exposure to poly-fluoroalkyl substances – PFAS – greatly impacted a person’s health.

These chemical ingredients were found in the firefighting foam a number of agencies, including RAAF, had used from the 1970s up until 2008.

While the contamination at Forest Hill was only found in low quantities, it prompted further investigation, with results set to be released at a community walk-in-session on June 7. 

After reviewing the limited amount of available scientific research on the contamination, the Expert Health Panel for PFAS found evidence of a number of related health effects – including reduced kidney function and hormonal changes – but these were “within normal ranges” for the whole population.

However, it is the “limited” part of the scientific research that triggered former airmen Chris Ferguson’s concerns. 

Mr Ferguson served at RAAF Base Wagga as a cook, between 1987 to 1991 and stayed at a caravan park at Forest Hill during that time. 

Across the years, Mr Ferguson said he had experienced issues with his bladder, kidneys and lungs, which recently developed into cancer.

The troubling thing is, Mr Ferguson said he was not the only one. 

Via social media, the former airmen said he had been in touch with fellow personnel, who could have been exposed to PFAS during their service. 

Mr Ferguson, now 50-years-old, said at least a dozen former servicemen or their widows had reported similar cancer diagnoses and kidney issues. 

“I’ve been trying to put the pieces together,” Mr Ferguson said. “If it takes 20 to 30 years to grow in your system, symptoms may only be starting to emerge.” 

Ronald Murphy, who served at RAAF Base Wagga in 1971 and 1975, said he too had been diagnosed with cancer in recent years.  

Despite the health panel for PFAS panel ruling out an increased overall cancer risk, a Fairfax Media investigation last year found 50 cases of cancer in 15 years along a Newcastle road, which intersected a network of open drains carrying contaminated run-off from Williamtown’s RAAF base.

Mr Ferguson said he believed enough of the chemical would have been washed into the ground water during firefighting drills at Forest Hill to justify exposure concerns there too. 

Without knowing for certain, the former airman said he and others wanted more definitive answers.