Which Military Sites Have Been Contaminated With PFAS?

Military PFAS Contamination Lawsuit Overview

Military PFAS contamination lawsuits focus on the widespread toxic exposure caused by the use of PFAS-containing firefighting foam (AFFF) at hundreds of military installations across the United States.

These legal actions allege that the military and chemical manufacturers knowingly used these harmful “forever chemicals” without adequately warning personnel or nearby communities about the serious health risks.

According to the Department of Defense, at least 710 military sites in all 50 states are known or suspected to have discharged toxic PFAS, with confirmed contamination in drinking water or groundwater at 397 of these locations.

The contamination primarily stems from decades of mandatory PFAS-based firefighting foam use during training exercises, creating an environmental crisis that has affected military personnel, their families, and surrounding communities.

Latest Military PFAS Contamination Lawsuit Updates

• 2024: The Department of Defense has allocated billions of dollars for PFAS cleanup efforts at military installations nationwide, acknowledging the extensive contamination and its impact on service members and surrounding communities.
• 2023: Multiple federal lawsuits have advanced against manufacturers of PFAS-containing firefighting foam used at military bases, with courts denying motions to dismiss based on the government contractor defense.
• 2022: The Environmental Working Group (EWG) released updated mapping of military PFAS contamination sites, revealing that testing has confirmed PFAS in drinking water or groundwater at 397 military installations, with potential contamination at an additional 313 sites [1].
• 2021: The U.S. military began phasing out PFAS-based AFFF firefighting foam at installations nationwide, though this does not address the existing contamination that has accumulated over more than 50 years of use.

These developments illustrate the growing recognition of the military PFAS contamination crisis and increasing efforts to hold responsible parties accountable.

The scale of the contamination continues to expand as additional testing reveals PFAS in more locations, with cleanup costs projected to reach into the billions of dollars.

Related Article: PFAS Exposure Lawsuit Update

Government Reports and Statistics

Federal agencies have compiled extensive data on military PFAS contamination:

• The Department of Defense has identified at least 710 military installations with known or suspected PFAS discharges.
• Water testing has confirmed PFAS contamination in drinking water or groundwater at 397 military sites.
• The remaining 313 identified sites have potential contamination that may be confirmed through additional testing.
• Michigan, the Ohio River Valley, and California have been identified as the states most severely affected by PFAS contamination.
• Military cleanup costs for PFAS contamination are estimated to exceed $2 billion.
• PFAS levels at some military installations have been measured at thousands of times higher than EPA health advisory levels.

Beyond PFAS, military sites also contain numerous other toxic substances including chlorinated solvents, industrial chemicals, petroleum hydrocarbons, and metals at levels exceeding EPA guidelines.

These contaminants are designated as substances that cause serious illnesses or pose environmental threats when improperly managed.

Military PFAS Contamination Injuries & Side Effects

Exposure to PFAS and other toxic chemicals at military installations has been linked to numerous serious health conditions that can develop years after exposure.

Some of these illnesses can include:

• Lung cancer
• Soft tissue cancer
• Esophageal cancer
• Ovarian cancer
• Breast cancer
• Prostate cancer
• Rectal cancer
• Kidney cancer
• Bladder cancer
• Liver cancer
• Leukemia
• Multiple myeloma
• Non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma
• Hodgkin’s Disease
• Pancreatic cancer
• Testicular cancer
• And more

The health effects are particularly concerning because PFAS chemicals can remain in the body for years after exposure, with elimination half-lives ranging from 3-7 years depending on the specific compound.

Do You Qualify for a Military PFAS Contamination Lawsuit?

You may qualify for a military PFAS contamination lawsuit if:

• You served at, worked at, or lived on or near one of the 710 military installations identified with PFAS contamination.
• You were stationed at or resided near the affected military base for at least one year.
• You have been diagnosed with a condition linked to PFAS exposure, such as kidney cancer, testicular cancer, thyroid disease, or other associated illnesses.
• Your diagnosis occurred after your time at or near the contaminated military installation.
• You have no family history or other clear risk factors that would better explain your condition.

Even if you haven’t developed symptoms but were exposed to contaminated water at military installations, you might qualify for medical monitoring compensation, particularly if you have elevated PFAS levels in your blood.

Evidence Required for a Military PFAS Contamination Lawsuit

To build a strong case for your military PFAS contamination lawsuit, you should gather the following evidence:

• Military Service Records: Documentation of your service, including dates and locations of stationing.
• Residency Records: Proof of residence on or near affected military installations.
• Medical Records: Documentation of your diagnosis and treatment for PFAS-related health conditions.
• Water Testing Results: If available, results showing PFAS in drinking water at your military base or residence.
• Blood Tests: Laboratory results indicating elevated PFAS levels in your bloodstream.
• Expert Testimony: Medical opinions linking your condition to PFAS exposure.

An experienced attorney can help you gather and present this evidence effectively to strengthen your claim.

Damages You Can Recover

If your military PFAS contamination lawsuit is successful, you may be eligible to recover various types of damages:

• Medical Expenses: Costs for diagnosis, treatment, and ongoing care for PFAS-related conditions.
• Lost Wages: Compensation for work missed due to illness and treatment.
• Pain and Suffering: Damages for physical pain and emotional distress.
• Diminished Quality of Life: Compensation for permanent changes to your lifestyle and capabilities.
• Medical Monitoring: Funding for ongoing screening and early detection of potential PFAS-related conditions.
• Wrongful Death: Compensation for families who have lost loved ones to PFAS-related illnesses.
• Punitive Damages: Additional compensation in cases where manufacturers knowingly concealed PFAS risks.

Military PFAS Contamination Remediation Efforts

While not a traditional product recall, the military has initiated significant remediation efforts for PFAS contamination:

• The Department of Defense has begun phasing out PFAS-based AFFF firefighting foam at installations nationwide.
• Alternative firefighting foams without PFAS are being developed and implemented.
• Billions of dollars have been allocated for cleanup of existing PFAS contamination at military bases.
• Advanced water filtration systems are being installed at affected installations.
• Ongoing monitoring programs have been established to track contamination levels and spread.

Despite these efforts, the remediation process is extremely challenging because PFAS chemicals do not break down naturally in the environment, earning them the designation “forever chemicals.” Complete cleanup may take decades and billions of dollars.

Statute of Limitations for Military PFAS Contamination Lawsuits

The statute of limitations for filing a military PFAS contamination lawsuit varies depending on several factors:

• Federal Tort Claims Act (FTCA) claims typically require filing an administrative claim within two years of when the claim accrues.
• State laws vary, with most personal injury claims having 2-3 year statutes of limitations.
• The “discovery rule” may extend deadlines in cases where the connection between PFAS exposure and illness wasn’t immediately apparent.
• Special provisions may apply for veterans and military personnel.
• Class action and multidistrict litigation may have different timeline considerations.

Because of these complexities, it’s crucial to consult with an attorney experienced in military PFAS litigation as soon as possible after discovering potential exposure or related health issues.

The “discovery rule” is particularly important in PFAS cases since many people only recently became aware of contamination at military installations where they previously served or lived.

Related Articles:

• Can PFAS Be Removed From the Body?
• PFOS Water Contamination Lawsuit
• Are PFAS in Bottled Water?

FAQs

See all related product liability lawsuits our lawyers covered so far.

Get a Free Military PFAS Contamination Lawsuit Evaluation With Our Lawyers

Time is limited to pursue legal action for military PFAS contamination injuries. Statutes of limitations vary based on jurisdiction and claim type, but typically range from 2-3 years from when you discovered or reasonably should have discovered your injury and its connection to PFAS exposure.

For claims against the federal government, the Federal Tort Claims Act requires filing an administrative claim within two years. Waiting too long could permanently bar you from seeking the compensation you deserve.

At Schmidt & Clark, LLP, we offer:

• Free, confidential consultations to evaluate your case
• No upfront costs or fees for our legal services
• Payment only if we win your case or secure a settlement
• Experienced attorneys specializing in military toxic exposure litigation

The science linking PFAS to serious health conditions continues to evolve, strengthening cases against those responsible for military contamination. Don’t delay in seeking the justice and compensation you deserve for PFAS-related injuries.

References:

1. https://www.ewg.org/interactive-maps/2020-military-pfas-sites/map/#