What Are PFAS?
PFAS are a class of thousands of synthetic chemicals used for their ability to resist heat, water, and oil.
First developed in the 1940s, PFAS have been widely used in various industries, including manufacturing, food packaging, and, most notably, in firefighting foams.
Unfortunately, the very properties that make PFAS useful also make them harmful to the environment and human health.
These toxic chemicals do not break down easily, remaining in the air, water, and soil for decades — earning the nickname “forever chemicals.”
PFAS have also been linked to a variety of health issues, including cancer, reproductive issues, and immune system problems.
PFAS on Military Bases
A primary pathway in which PFAS has entered the environment, particularly on military bases, is through aqueous film forming foam (AFFF).
According to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), the U.S. Military and 3M company collaborated to develop AFFF firefighting foam in the 1960s.
For decades, the military has used AFFF extensively in training exercises and emergency responses, leading to widespread contamination on and around bases.
The use of AFFF was particularly prevalent at Air Force bases, where personnel used it to extinguish fires caused by jet fuel during plane crashes and training exercises.
AFFF foam contains PFAS chemicals, which have leached into the groundwater and contaminated drinking water supplies on military bases, putting service members, their families, and local residents at risk.
The connection between AFFF and PFAS contamination has become a central concern for military personnel and surrounding communities.
Victims of direct exposure to firefighting foam have filed AFFF Lawsuits against PFAS manufacturers, and others who have been exposed to PFAS contaminated water may be able to seek financial compensation through PFAS Water Contamination Lawsuits.
PFAS Exposure is a Nationwide Health Concern
Due to the extensive use and persistence of PFAS, these chemicals have become a significant health risk to the public and the environment.
A 2015 study discovered that 97% of Americans have traces of PFAS chemicals in their blood.
For military personnel, firefighters, and civilians living near military installations, exposure to military base PFAS is particularly alarming.
These individuals are at a heightened risk of developing health conditions due to prolonged exposure to contaminated water and the regular use of AFFF in firefighting exercises.
To make matters worse, the potential health effects are not limited to military personnel or other individuals with high levels of exposure.
Even low-level exposure can have serious consequences, making it crucial for anyone who may have come into contact with PFAS to understand the risks.
Health Risks Associated With PFAS Exposure
Exposure to PFAS can have devastating effects on human health.
Scientific studies have linked these chemicals to a range of health complications.
Increased Risk of Cancers
Studies have found a strong link between PFAS exposure and various types of cancers.
Types of cancer can include:
- Kidney Cancer: A 2020 Journal of the National Cancer Institute (JNCI) study found that participants with the highest concentrations of PFOA in their blood were twice as likely to develop kidney cancer than those with the lowest levels.
- Liver Cancer: Human and animal studies suggest that PFAS chemicals — specifically PFOA (perfluorooctanoic acid), PFOS (perfluorooctanesulfonic acid), and PFNA (perfluorononanoic acid) — significantly elevated aminotransferase (ALT) levels in the body, leading to liver damage and an increased risk of liver cancer.
- Bladder Cancer: A 2022 Environmental Health Insights study discovered that Merrimack residents have a 45% increased risk for bladder cancer compared to the national average. This community was near a plastic coating industrial source that polluted local drinking water with PFAS.
- Pancreatic Cancer: A 2022 Carcinogenesis study revealed that PFOA triggers oxidative stress and focal ductal hyperplasia in the pancreas, increasing the progression of pancreatic cancer.
- Testicular Cancer: The Cancer Center at Illinois (CCIL) observed that PFAS chemicals — specifically PFOS and HQ-115 (lithium bis-trifluoromethanesulfonimide) — gave testicular germ cell tumor (TGCT) growth a significant boost in mice.
- Breast Cancer: A 2022 study found that PFOA and PFHxS (perfluorohexanesulfonic acid) disrupt the regulation of estrogen receptors in breast tissue, increasing the risk of breast cancer.
Reproductive Issues
PFAS have been shown to cause reproductive harm in both men and women.
Men exposed to high levels of PFAS chemicals may experience a decrease in sperm quality and motility, while women may experience hormonal disruptions that can lead to fertility issues.
PFAS exposure during pregnancy has been linked to low birth weight and developmental delays in infants.
Immune System Problems
Exposure to PFAS can also have a detrimental effect on the immune system.
These chemicals can suppress the immune response, making individuals more susceptible to infections and illnesses.
This issue can have serious consequences, especially for vulnerable populations, such as children and the elderly.
Thyroid Disease
Studies have found a link between PFAS exposure and thyroid disease.
These chemicals can disrupt the production of hormones, leading to an increased risk of hypothyroidism (underactive thyroid), hyperthyroidism (overactive thyroid), and other thyroid disorders.
A 2020 study discovered that endocrine disruptive chemicals (EDC) like PFAS chemicals disturb the thyroid gland’s normal functioning, increasing the risk of thyroid cancer.
Other Health Conditions
Apart from the mentioned health risks, exposure to PFAS has also been linked to various other health conditions.
Other health conditions includes:
- Skin Disorders: PFAS chemicals can disrupt the skin barrier function, leading to various skin disorders.
- Eye Issues: These chemicals can also cause eye irritation, dryness, and other vision problems.
- Respiratory Problems: Exposure to PFAS can cause respiratory issues, such as asthma and bronchitis.
- Neurological Difficulties: Prolonged PFAS exposure can lead to neurological problems, including memory impairment, developmental delays, learning and behavioral disorders, and reduced cognitive function.
Given the serious health concerns associated with PFAS exposure, potentially vulnerable individuals must be aware of the possible risks and take necessary precautions to avoid exposure.
This measure includes understanding the sources of PFAS contamination and advocating for stricter regulations on their use.
PFAS Contamination of Water Supplies
The contamination of groundwater and drinking water with PFAS is one of the most pressing concerns.
Once PFAS enter the environment, they can migrate into nearby water sources, affecting entire communities.
In many cases, the water supplies on and near military installations contain dangerously high levels of PFAS, far exceeding safety standards.
For instance, the Environmental Working Group (EWG) has identified “720 Military Sites With Known or Suspected Discharges of PFAS” in the United States.
These sites include military bases, training facilities, and other installations where AFFF is used regularly in firefighting exercises.
These findings underscore the widespread nature of the contamination and the urgent need for legal and regulatory intervention.
Some of the military bases with contaminated water include:
- Alabama: Birmingham International Airport, Fort Novosel, Maxwell Air Force Base
- Alaska: Alcantra Armory Complex, Eielson Air Force Base, Fort Greely
- Arizona: Buckeye Training Site, Camp Florence, Camp Navajo
- Arkansas: Eaker Air Force Base, Little Rock Air Force Base, Fort Smith Municipal Airport
- California: Air Force Plant 42, Los Angeles Air Force Base, Army Aviation Support ARNG Stockton, Fort Irwin, Coronado Naval Amphibious Base, Naval Air Weapons Station China Lake
- Colorado: Buckley Air Force Base, Fort Carson, U.S. Air Force Academy
- Connecticut: Stone’s Ranch Military Reservation, Windsor Locks AASF
- Delaware: Duncan Armory AASF, New Castle Airport
- Florida: Jacksonville International Airport, Naval Air Station Jacksonville, Naval Air Station Pensacola, Tyndall Air Force Base
- Georgia: Air Force Plant 6, Fort Stewart, Naval Submarine Base Kings Bay
- Hawaii: Fleet and Industrial Supply Center Pearl Harbor, Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam, Marine Corps Base Hawaii
- Illinois: Chanute Air Force Base, Rock Island Arsenal, Scott Air Force Base
- Indiana: Fort Benjamin Harrison, Fort Wayne Air National Guard Base, Grissom Air Reserve Base
- Iowa: Des Moines International Airport (132d Wing), Sioux City National Guard Base
- Kansas: Forbes Field, Fort Leavenworth, Fort Riley
- Kentucky: Blue Grass Army Depot, Fort Campbell, Fort Knox
- Louisiana: Barksdale Air Force Base, Camp Minden, England Air Force Base, Fort Polk
- Maine: Bangor Air Guard Training Site, Brunswick Naval Air Station, Loring Air Force Base
- Maryland: Aberdeen Proving Ground, Fort Meade, Naval Research Laboratory Chesapeake Bay Detachment
- Massachusetts: Westover Air Reserve Base, Naval Air Station South Weymouth, Hanscom Air Force Base
- Michigan: Wurtsmith Air Force Base, K.I. Sawyer Air Force Base, Battle Creek Air National Guard Base, Selfridge Air National Guard Base
- Minnesota: Duluth Air National Guard Base, Camp Ripley
- Mississippi: Gulfport Regional Airport, Columbus Air Force Base, Camp McCain
- Missouri: Whiteman Air Force Base, Richards-Gebaur Air Force Base, Fort Leonard Wood
- Montana: Malmstrom Air Force Base, Montana Air National Guard Base, Fort Harrison
- Nebraska: Offutt Air Force Base, Nebraska Army National Guard Training Site
- Nevada: Naval Air Station Fallon, Nellis Air Force Base, Creech Air Force Base
- New Hampshire: Pease Air Force Base, Newington Air National Guard Base, Center Strafford Training Site
- New Jersey: Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst, Naval Air Warfare Center Trenton, Earle Naval Weapons Station
- New Mexico: Cannon Air Force Base, Holloman Air Force Base, Fort Wingate
- New York: Seneca Army Depot, Hancock Field Air National Guard Base, Niagara Falls Air Reserve Station
- North Carolina: Fort Bragg, Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point
- North Dakota: North Dakota Air National Guard Base, Grand Forks Air Force Base, Minot Air Force Base
- Ohio: Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Rickenbacker Air Force Base, Camp Ravenna
- Oklahoma: Tinker Air Force Base, Altus Air Force Base, McAlester Army Ammunition Plant
- Oregon: Kingsley Field Air National Guard Base, Portland International Airport, Christmas Valley Air Force Station
- Pennsylvania: Naval Air Warfare Center in Warminster Township, Horsham Air Guard Station, Willow Grove Naval Air Station
- Rhode Island: Naval Station Newport, Charlestown Auxiliary Landing Field, Quonset State Airport
- South Carolina: Fort Jackson, Charleston Air Force Base, Shaw Air Force Base
- South Dakota: Ellsworth Air Force Base, Joe Foss Field Air National Guard Base
- Tennessee: Arnold Air Force Base, Fort Campbell
- Texas: Dyess Air Force Base, Reese Air Force Base, Joint Base San Antonio, Goodfellow Air Force Base
- Utah: Hill Air Force Base, Camp Williams, Salt Lake City International Airport
- Vermont: Burlington International Airport, Chittenden County National Guard Base, Camp Ethan Allen
- Virginia: Joint Base Langley-Eustis, Oceana Naval Air Station, Fentress Naval Auxiliary Landing Field
- Washington: Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Fairchild Air Force Base, Naval Air Station Whidbey Island
- West Virginia: West Virginia Air National Guard Base, Eastern West Virginia Regional Airport
- Wisconsin: Fort McCoy, Truax Field Air National Guard Base, Milwaukee Mitchell International Airport
- Wyoming: F.E. Warren Air Force Base, Cheyenne Municipal Airport
For more information about specific military bases impacted by PFAS contamination, visit our page about Military Bases with Contaminated Water.
Investigation Into PFAS Military Lawsuits
Lawyers are investigating the potential for PFAS Military Lawsuits against manufacturers of forever chemicals.
Lawsuits would seek to hold the responsible parties accountable for their actions and obtain compensation for those affected by PFAS contamination.
Several major manufacturers of PFAS chemicals have already faced numerous lawsuits for their role in producing and distributing these harmful substances.
Companies that have faced litigation for PFAS exposure include:
- 3M Company
- DuPont de Nemours, Inc.
- Chemours Company
- Tyco Fire Products
Lawsuits have alleged that these companies were aware of the dangers of PFAS chemicals but continued to produce and sell them without proper warnings or safety measures.
As a result of these companies’ negligence, many military personnel and their families have been exposed to high levels of PFAS through contaminated drinking water on military bases, leading to serious health issues.
Our law firm is currently representing former and active military personnel who have suffered direct exposure to AFFF firefighting foams.
Significant Legal Precedents and Settlements
Some of the most significant legal victories in PFAS litigation have come from class-action lawsuits and settlements with major chemical manufacturers.
For instance, in 2017, chemical companies DuPont and Chemours Co reached a $671 million settlement with plaintiffs exposed to PFAS along the Ohio River near Parkersburg, WV (where Teflon was produced).
In 2023, 3M Co agreed to pay $10.3 billion in damages to various municipalities and public water systems affected by PFAS contamination due to AFFF firefighting foam use.
This settlement aims to fund the necessary testing and treatment for PFAS in these communities over the course of 13 years.
Current Developments in Litigation
The legal battles over PFAS exposure are ongoing, with new lawsuits being filed regularly.
The ongoing AFFF multi-district litigation (MDL) has consolidated numerous cases against manufacturers of firefighting foam used on military bases.
District Judge Richard Gergel of the United States Federal Court for the District of South Carolina oversees this MDL.
At TorHoerman Law, we are actively involved in these cases, representing military personnel, firefighters, and others affected by AFFF exposure.
We aim to hold the responsible parties accountable for their actions and obtain justice and compensation for those affected by PFAS contamination.
Role of Legislation and Regulation
Federal and state governments have begun to take action to address the growing concern over PFAS contamination.
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has established several initiatives to address the issue at the federal level, including the new safety standards for legally enforceable maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for specific PFAS in drinking water.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), particularly the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR), continues to conduct research on the health effects of PFAS exposure and provide resources for communities affected by PFAS contamination.
The 2020 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) requires the Department of Defense to phase out AFFF firefighting foam at all land-based military installations by October 1, 2024.
This directive also instructs the military to transition to PFAS-free alternatives.
How TorHoerman Law Helps Victims of PFAS Exposure
Our lawyers are currently investigating the potential for PFAS Military Lawsuits, seeking a pathway for victims of contaminated drinking water on military bases to seek financial compensation for the harm they’ve experienced.
When you work with us, our expert lawyers will thoroughly investigate your case, assess your potential for compensation, and guide you through the legal process.
We will fight tirelessly to hold those responsible accountable and ensure you receive fair and just compensation.
TorHoerman Law: PFAS Exposure Lawyers
As more individuals come forward with health concerns related to PFAS exposure, the legal landscape will continue to evolve.
Military bases are hotspots for PFAS contamination, and our lawyers are investigating the potential for lawsuits against manufacturers for this form of toxic exposure.
If you or a loved one has been impacted by PFAS exposure on a military base or military installation, reach out to us today.
The compassionate and experienced lawyers at TorHoerman Law are here to help you.
Contact us for a free consultation.
You can also use the chatbot on this page to find out if you qualify for a PFAS Military Lawsuit instantly.
