Lackland Air Force Base, now part of Joint Base San Antonio (JBSA), has long held a distinguished place in U.S. military history. Established in 1941 as part of Kelly Field, the base became an independent entity a year later, eventually earning the title “Gateway to the Air Force” in 1948. Named in honor of Brigadier General Frank Lackland, the base has been instrumental in training generations of Air Force personnel. As part of JBSA—formed through the 2005 Base Realignment and Closure Commission—the base plays a crucial role in supporting operations across multiple military installations, including JBSA-Fort Sam Houston and JBSA-Randolph (Military Installations, 'Joint Base San Antonio').
Despite its legacy, Lackland AFB is now facing a major environmental concern—PFAS contamination. PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances) are toxic chemicals once widely used in firefighting foam (AFFF) on military bases. These chemicals have been linked to cancer, thyroid disease, immune disorders, and other serious health problems. Recent testing at Lackland revealed PFAS levels tens of thousands of times above federal safety limits, putting service members, staff, and nearby residents at risk.
This contamination has sparked a wave of PFAS lawsuits from individuals exposed at or near the base. The cleanup process is slow, and many affected families are seeking justice through legal action. If you lived or worked near Lackland AFB and are experiencing health issues, you may qualify for a PFAS contamination lawsuit.
If you or a loved one were stationed at or lived near Lackland AFB and have suffered health issues, you may qualify for a lawsuit against PFAS manufacturers. Read on to learn more about the contamination, the risks, and how to take legal action.
Shocking PFAS Levels at Lackland AFB
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) recently set a strict new limit of 4 parts per trillion (ppt) for PFOA and PFOS—the most harmful types of PFAS—in drinking water. However, groundwater testing at Lackland AFB has detected staggering contamination levels according to the Environmental Working Group (EWG):
- PFOS: 680,000 ppt – 170,000 times above the legal limit
- PFOA: 76,000 ppt – 19,000 times the legal limit
- PFHxS: 230,000 ppt
- PFPeA: 140,000 ppt
- PFHxA: 90,000 ppt
- PFHpA: 56,000 ppt
These extreme levels of contamination pose a major health risk to anyone who worked, lived, or trained at the base. PFAS chemicals are known as "forever chemicals" because they do not break down naturally, meaning this contamination could affect generations to come.
Health Effects of PFAS Exposure
PFAS exposure has been linked to a wide range of serious health problems, including:
- Kidney Cancer
- Testicular Cancer
- Thyroid Cancer
- Liver Cancer
- Hypothyroidism
- Ulcerative Colitis
Many veterans, military personnel, and nearby residents were exposed to PFAS for years without knowing the risks. If you have been diagnosed with a PFAS-related illness, you may be eligible for financial compensation through a lawsuit against PFAS manufacturers.
What Nearby Lackland Air Force Base Homeowners Should Know
If you live near Lackland AFB, you may also be at risk. PFAS contamination doesn’t stay within base boundaries—it can seep into groundwater and spread to nearby communities.
Signs Your Water May Be Contaminated:
- You live near the base and rely on well water
- Your water has a strange taste or odor
- Neighbors have reported similar health problems
- Deceased animals are found frequently on your property
- PFAS-related health conditions diagnosed in you, your loved ones, or neighbors and nearby friends.
Homeowners affected by PFAS contamination may be able to file a property damage lawsuit. If your home’s water supply has been compromised, you could seek compensation for:
✔ Water filtration costs
✔ Declining property values
✔ Health-related expenses
Can Homeowners Near Lackland Base File a PFAS Lawsuit?
Yes. Homeowners in PFAS-contaminated areas across the country have filed lawsuits against chemical manufacturers responsible for contamination. If your home/property is near the Lackland Air Force Base, you may qualify for compensation if:
- Your property value has dropped due to PFAS contamination.
- Your water supply has tested positive for elevated PFAS levels.
- You have incurred costs for filtration systems or remediation.
- You have been diagnosed with a PFAS-related health condition.
Do You Qualify for a PFAS Lawsuit?
Those who lived, worked, or trained at Lackland AFB—or nearby residents with contaminated water—may be entitled to significant compensation. Filing a lawsuit can help you recover damages for:
- Medical bills for PFAS-related illnesses
- Lost wages if you can no longer work
- Pain and suffering for long-term health effects
- Property damage from contaminated drinking water
What You Need to Build a Strong Claim
To pursue legal action, gathering the right evidence is crucial. We can help you collect and organize key documents to strengthen your case. He is what we will need from you:
Medical Records Linking Your Illness to PFAS Exposure
Medical records are essential in proving the connection between your health conditions and PFAS exposure. These records should document diagnoses of illnesses known to be linked to PFAS, such as cancer, thyroid disease, or immune disorders. If you have undergone medical tests showing elevated PFAS levels in your blood, those results can also be valuable evidence. Our legal team can work with your healthcare providers to obtain the necessary documentation and build a strong case on your behalf.
Military, Employment, or Residency Records Proving Time Spent at Lackland Air Force Base
To qualify for a lawsuit, you must show that you lived, worked, or trained at Lackland AFB during the period of contamination. Military service records, employment records, or proof of residency near the base can help establish your exposure. Even if you no longer have these documents, The Downs Law Group can assist in retrieving them to support your claim. The more evidence you have demonstrating your time at or near the base, the stronger your case will be.
If you’re unsure whether you qualify, The Downs Law Group can help you determine your eligibility at NO COST TO YOU.
How to Take Legal Action
Holding PFAS manufacturers accountable is crucial—not just for affected individuals, but for future generations. If you or a loved one has suffered health problems due to PFAS exposure at Lackland AFB, now is the time to act.
Call The Downs Law Group today for a free case evaluation.
Our legal team specializes in PFAS lawsuits and can guide you through the process.
You may be entitled to significant compensation!
PFAS contamination is a growing crisis, but you don’t have to face it alone. Take the first step toward justice today.
Learn more about Military Base PFAS Contamination lawsuits.