Military Base PFAS Contamination Lawsuit
What Military Personnel, Firefighters, & Community Members Need to Know
Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), including PFOA, have become a significant health threat, particularly for individuals exposed to these chemicals through firefighting foam, military operations, and contaminated water sources. Individuals who have served or lived near military bases, especially where PFAS-containing firefighting foams were used extensively, face an increased risk of developing severe health conditions.
This page explores the risks associated with PFAS exposure and how The Downs Law Group is advocating for legal justice for those affected. Hold the makers of toxic ‘Forever Chemicals’ accountable for related health conditions and homeowner property damage!
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Health Issues Linked to PFAS Exposure
You may be owed money for PFAS/PFOA exposure if you have developed any of the following linked health issues:
Who is Most at Risk of Developing Cancer from PFAS Exposure?
Understanding who is most at risk is key to both prevention and legal action. While anyone exposed to PFAS is at risk, specific groups face heightened dangers due to the frequency and intensity of exposure. These most at risk include:
Nearby Civilians
Nearby civilians who live, work, or are otherwise exposed to PFAS-contaminated military bases or fire training facilities that use AFFF foam may face significant health risks due to toxic exposure. PFAS chemicals, often referred to as “forever chemicals,” can seep into surrounding soil and water supplies, contaminating both public and private water sources. This exposure has been linked to severe health conditions, including cancer, thyroid disease, and other chronic illnesses. If you or a loved one believe your health issues are connected to PFAS exposure, you may be eligible for compensation. Legal action can help hold manufacturers accountable while providing financial relief for medical costs and other damages. Contact us today to learn more about your rights and options.
Firefighters (Civilian and Military)
Firefighters are among the highest-risk groups due to their exposure to PFAS in both aqueous film-forming foam (AFFF) and their turnout gear. AFFF, used to extinguish fuel-based fires, contains high levels of PFAS, while their firefighting gear is coated with PFAS to resist flames, further increasing exposure. Studies have shown that firefighters are more likely to develop certain types of cancer, and the link between PFAS and cancer in this population is becoming clearer.
See more on Firefighter PFAS Exposure Lawsuits here.
Military Personnel
Military personnel, particularly those stationed on bases, face significant risk due to PFAS-contaminated drinking water supplies. Many military bases have water sources contaminated with PFAS due to the use of firefighting foam in training exercises. These individuals, whether directly involved in firefighting or not, may have been exposed to harmful levels of PFAS through their drinking water, leading to increased health risks, including cancer and other serious medical conditions.
The Growing Crisis of PFAS Contamination at Military Sites
Across the United States, military personnel and their families are facing a growing health crisis due to PFAS (Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances) contamination. PFAS, found in firefighting foam and other military-related products, have been linked to serious health conditions like kidney cancer, testicular cancer, thyroid disease, and more. As of 2024, over 700 military sites have been confirmed or are suspected of PFAS contamination, with this number continuing to grow as investigations expand.
Working with a VA-Accredited Attorney
Did you know? The Downs Law Group has VA-Accredited Attorneys!
Military veterans who were exposed to PFAS during their service should seek out VA-accredited attorneys. These attorneys are uniquely qualified to navigate both VA benefits and legal claims related to PFAS exposure to help veterans get the medical care and compensation they deserve.
PFAS in Drinking Water at Military Bases
Many military installations have reported dangerously high PFAS levels in their drinking water. For example, PFAS levels in some water sources at Wurtsmith Air Force Base has reached more than 213,000 parts per trillion according to EWG. This starkly contrasts with national averages, where most U.S. water supplies have PFAS concentrations around 10 to 15 ppt. These elevated levels represent significant long-term risks to military families living on or near these bases.
Legal Action and Veteran Compensation for PFAS Exposure
Thousands of veterans and military families have filed lawsuits against PFAS manufacturers and the Department of Defense for failing to protect them from exposure. These lawsuits have highlighted the growing need for accountability.
The 3M Company, a major manufacturer of PFAS firefighting foam, has already agreed to settlements exceeding $1 billion for claims related to PFAS contamination of U.S. public drinking water systems, including providers that service certain military bases
U.S. Military Bases We Have Cases In
If you or a loved one served or lived near one of the following military bases, there is a significant chance that PFAS contamination could have affected your health. The Downs Law Group is accepting clients with linked medical conditions from ALL contaminated sites.
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The above military bases represent a small fraction of sites with confirmed PFAS contamination. The closure of some of these facilities, such as George AFB and Castle AFB in California, underscores the long-lasting impact that environmental contamination can have on communities long after military operations have ceased.
To see if your military base has PFAS contamination, access the Environmental Working Group’s Interactive Map of Military Sites with Known or Suspected Discharges of PFAS.
Advocacy for PFAS-Free Environments
With over hundreds of sites potentially contaminated by PFAS, the U.S. military is facing growing pressure to protect future generations from this toxic exposure. Advocacy groups and legal experts continue to push for the implementation of PFAS-free firefighting products, stricter contamination controls, and quicker remediation of affected sites.
In addition to pursuing legal claims, it’s important to advocate for PFAS-free environments. Community awareness, regulatory changes, and personal responsibility are key in reducing future exposures. The more people become aware of the dangers associated with PFAS, the better chance we have of pushing for the ban and cleanup of these harmful substances.
The dangers posed by PFAS contamination are serious and far-reaching. Firefighters, military personnel, and individuals living near contaminated bases are among the highest-risk groups.
If you or a loved one has been exposed to PFAS contamination at a military base, it’s crucial to understand your legal rights. Our team at The Downs Law Group is dedicated to helping veterans, military families, and affected communities pursue justice for PFAS-related illnesses. Contact us today for a free consultation to learn more about how we can help you with your PFAS-related legal claim.
Key Facts About PFAS Contamination
- Over 700 U.S. military installations are contaminated with PFAS, exposing thousands of military personnel, families, and civilians to harmful chemicals according to the Environmental Working Group (EWG). See EWG’s interactive map of 720 military sites with known or suspected discharges of PFAS.
- To provide Americans, including the most sensitive populations, with a margin of protection from a life- time of exposure to PFOA and PFOS from drinking water, EPA established the health advisory levels at 70 parts per trillion. However, sites such as Peterson Air Force Base in Colorado report PFAS levels as high as 88,400 parts per trillion (ppt) in its drinking water, far exceeding the EPA’s health advisory level. See the EPA’s PFOA & PFOS Drinking Water Health Advisories.
- The Department of Defense estimated in 2021, that cleaning up PFAS contamination at military sites could cost up to $31 billion, with ongoing efforts to fund remediation projects. According to the EWG for fiscal year 2023, the Pentagon requested $1.4 billion for cleanups, and Congress budgeted $2.2 billion. For its fiscal year 2024 budget, now being debated in Congress, the DOD requested $1.5 billion – $700 million less than the amount budgeted for fiscal year 2023. See ‘The Pentagon’s Contamination Time Bomb’ by EWG for more information on spending.
- The U.S. military has begun phasing out the use of PFAS-containing firefighting foam, with a target of full elimination by 2028.
- Advocacy groups are pushing for faster cleanup and greater accountability, as many contaminated military sites remain unaddressed.