Military Bases with Contaminated Water: Health Risks and Ongoing Legal Actions

AFFF was co-developed in the 1960s by the 3M Company and the US Navy to tackle high-intensity fires, particularly those involving jet fuels. Its unique formulation allows it to form an aqueous film that quickly smothers fires, preventing re-ignition. The foam became a staple in military firefighting arsenals, especially for use on airfields and naval vessels where flammable liquids are prevalent.

Despite its effectiveness, concerns about the environmental persistence of its key components and effects on human health were raised by the US military early on.

AFFF contains PFAS, a group of man-made chemicals that include perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) and perfluorooctanesulfonic acid (PFOS). These substances are characterized by their carbon-fluorine bonds — one of the strongest in organic chemistry — making them resistant to degradation. This persistence means that once released into the environment, PFAS can remain for decades, accumulating in soil, water, and living organisms, thus the term, “forever chemicals”.

The use of AFFF on military bases has led to significant contamination of soil and groundwater. PFAS compounds can leach through the soil, contaminating aquifers and surface water bodies.

Studies have found PFAS concentrations in groundwater near military installations to be significantly higher than the levels deemed safe by environmental agencies. This contamination poses a risk not only to military personnel but also to surrounding civilian communities.

PFAS can bioaccumulate in wildlife, particularly in aquatic ecosystems. Fish and other marine organisms can absorb these chemicals, which then travel up the food chain, leading to higher concentrations in predators. This bioaccumulation can have severe ecological impacts, disrupting reproductive systems and increasing mortality rates in affected species.

Exposure to PFAS has been linked to a range of serious health problems. While research is ongoing, several studies have identified potential risks associated with prolonged exposure to these chemicals.

AFFF contains high concentrations of certain PFAS chemicals, particularly PFOA and PFOS.  There is growing evidence that PFOA and PFOS exposure can increase the risk of certain cancers, including kidney and testicular cancer.

In fact, currently the International Agency for Research on Cancer designates PFOA as carcinogenic to humans (Group 1) and PFOS as possibly carcinogenic to humans (Group 2B). 

PFAS exposure has also been linked to reproductive and developmental issues. Pregnant women exposed to high levels of PFAS may face higher risks of preeclampsia and preterm birth.

Moreover, studies suggest that PFAS can affect fetal development, leading to low birth weights and developmental delays in children.

PFAS exposure weakens the immune response, reducing effectiveness against infections and response to vaccines. PFAS exposure may also cause immune system malfunctions and has been linked to causing serious conditions like ulcerative colitis (UC).

Some studies have also linked prolonged exposure to PFAS chemicals to nervous system conditions such as Parkinson’s Disease.

High PFAS levels disrupt liver function, potentially leading to conditions like non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD).

Additionally, PFAS have been associated with severe thyroid disease and increased cholesterol levels. 

All of these health issues pose significant concerns for both current and former military personnel and their families stationed at contaminated bases.

The Department of Defense (DoD) has acknowledged the widespread contamination of military bases across the United States, resulting from the use of AFFF. This contamination poses significant risks to both military personnel and surrounding communities, prompting urgent efforts for mitigation and cleanup. Below is a table listing over 500 U.S. military bases identified with PFAS contamination, while hundreds more are still in the process of being investigated and tested. 

(Data current as of July 2024)

Concerns about PFAS contamination on military bases have grown, with many criticizing the Pentagon’s slow response to pollution issues.

Addressing PFAS contamination on military bases involves a combination of remediation efforts and regulatory measures. The complexity of PFAS chemistry and the widespread nature of the contamination pose significant challenges to these efforts.

The Department of Defense (DoD) initially started testing off-base drinking water in 2016. Critics argue that the DoD failed to act swiftly, despite evidence of dangerous PFAS levels. Over 700 military locations are likely contaminated, exposing nearby communities to health risks like cancer and immune system damage. The use of AFFF firefighting foam, a primary source of PFAS, continues to be a point of contention.

Various techniques are being employed to remediate PFAS-contaminated sites. These include activated carbon filtration, ion exchange resins, and advanced oxidation processes. Each method has its advantages and limitations, and often a combination of approaches is necessary to achieve effective remediation.

In response to growing awareness of PFAS contamination, regulatory agencies have begun to set guidelines and limits for PFAS in drinking water. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has issued health advisories and is working on establishing enforceable standards.

Additionally, several states have implemented their own, often more stringent, regulations to protect public health.

The widespread contamination of military bases with PFAS has led to numerous legal and financial repercussions. Affected communities and individuals have sought compensation for health impacts and property devaluation, leading to a wave of lawsuits against manufacturers and users of AFFF.

Internal documents have surfaced showing links between 3M’s manufactured PFAS and health risks on military bases. These documents reveal that 3M was aware of the dangers associated with PFAS exposure but continued supplying AFFF to the military. This revelation has prompted many to question the ethical responsibilities of both 3M and the DoD in protecting public health.

Several high-profile lawsuits have been filed against chemical manufacturers, including 3M and DuPont, for their role in producing PFAS-containing products. These legal actions have resulted in significant settlements, with funds allocated for environmental cleanup and compensation for affected individuals.

The financial burden of PFAS remediation on military budgets is substantial. The Department of Defense has allocated billions of dollars to address PFAS contamination, but ongoing costs are expected to rise as more sites are tested and remediated. Balancing these costs with other defense priorities presents a significant challenge.

Legal actions against the military continue growing as more individuals come forward. The ongoing discovery process has unveiled additional evidence of negligence. This has intensified the scrutiny on how slowly the Pentagon responded to pollution concerns, fueling the call for stringent measures and greater accountability.

To file a military water contamination lawsuit, you need to determine your eligibility first. Individuals must have:

1. Been diagnosed with certain cancers, ulcerative colitis, thyroid disease or Parkinson’s Disease; and,
2. Resided or worked at or within 5 miles of a contaminated military base for at least 6 months between 1970 to present day.