Fort Bragg Water Contamination Lawsuit

Understanding the Fort Bragg Water Contamination Issue

Key Takeaways

• Government reports have identified PFAS in Fort Bragg’s water supply. PFAS is a group of artificial chemicals found in firefighting foam.
• Exposure to PFAS is associated with several cancers, such as testicular, kidney, and prostate cancer. It is also associated with high cholesterol, immune suppression, and pregnancy complications.
• To explore your legal options, gather a medical diagnosis, military records, and proof of exposure.

Fort Bragg has a long history as a vital military installation. Over the years, it has transformed from a weapons testing site into a crucial airborne training base. 

Over the years, it has housed thousands of military personnel and their families. The discovery of PFAS in the water has caused serious health concerns. The Army has acknowledged PFAS contamination and its potential risks.

A Brief History of Fort Bragg’s Water Contamination

Fort Bragg is one of the oldest and largest military bases. It was first built in 1918 for long-range weapon testing, and during World War II, it served as a key training ground for airborne units. 

After the war, troops and equipment from Camp McClellan in Alabama were moved to Fort Bragg.

Over time, the base became one of the largest in the country. It houses around 50,000 service members, plus thousands of their family members.

For years, military operations at Fort Bragg used AFFF firefighting foam. Although it put out fires, the foam contained PFAS, toxic chemicals that do not easily break down. PFAS contamination was detected in Fort Bragg’s groundwater and surrounding areas, raising concerns about long-term exposure risks.

These substances have been detected in the water supply, contributing to contamination concerns. However, the issue is not unique to this base. As of March 2024, the Pentagon identified 578 military sites requiring further investigation for potential PFAS contamination under CERCLA.

Key Contamination Discoveries

Fort Bragg’s contamination has been a growing concern for years. In 2020, testing showed that a well in a remote training area exceeded the EPA’s PFAS limit. 

The Environmental Working Group (EWG) identified Fort Bragg as one of the most polluted military sites in the U.S. in 2020.

This indicated a serious and ongoing issue. Groundwater contamination was detected on the base, and nearby private wells also tested positive for PFAS. This raised concerns about potential exposure in surrounding communities.

The U.S. government has taken steps to tackle the broader PFAS crisis. In February 2019, the EPA introduced its first PFAS Action Plan, and in September, it invested nearly $6 million in PFAS water research. 

The long-term effects of PFAS exposure on Fort Bragg residents and workers remain a significant concern. This has led some individuals to explore their legal options regarding potential PFAS exposure claims.

What Toxic Substances Were Found in the Water?

Government reports have identified PFAS in Fort Bragg’s water supply, specifically PFOA and PFOS. These chemicals remain in the environment and accumulate in the human body over time.

PFAS are known as “forever chemicals” because they do not break down easily in nature or the human body.

PFAS, PFOA, and PFOS Explained

PFAS are synthetic chemicals employed in manufacturing and products. Research links them to significant health risks.

PFAS chemicals can take thousands of years to break down, gathering in soil, water, and body tissue. In December 2022, reports stated that a remote training well at Fort Bragg tested at 98 ppt, exceeding the EPA’s 70 ppt advisory at the time.

A 2022 DoD report examined PFAS risks to service members and veterans, but it left out dangers for pregnant women and unborn children. This gap sparked debate over military management of toxic risks. Research is still being done, and long-term PFAS effects at Fort Bragg worry the base’s residents, workers, and service personnel.

Health Risks and Illnesses Linked to Contaminated Water

Exposure to PFAS chemicals has been associated with potential health risks. Studies have linked these toxic substances to many cancers and other severe conditions.

Cancer and Other Severe Health Conditions

Research shows that PFAS exposure is tied to many cancers and serious health problems. The CDC and the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR) have associated these chemicals with an increased risk of testicular, kidney, and prostate cancer.

The danger does not end there. PFAS exposure has also been associated with high cholesterol, weaker vaccine response, and liver problems.

These health effects raise concerns about the risks of prolonged PFAS exposure.

Additional risks include lower birth weights, pregnancy hypertension, and pre-eclampsia. These complications affect mothers and children over the long term.

People who lived or worked at Fort Bragg still worry about the long-term impact of PFAS exposure. Research is ongoing to explore various risks. However, worries about a possible connection between PFAS and serious health problems persist. Knowing these dangers can be key for people needing medical help or legal support.

Can You File a Fort Bragg Water Contamination Lawsuit?

Yes, it is possible to file a Fort Bragg Water Contamination Lawsuit.

Who Qualifies for a Lawsuit?

If you lived or worked at Fort Bragg during the contamination period and later became ill after drinking the water, you may be eligible to pursue a legal claim. Eligibility depends on your specific medical and exposure history.

This includes soldiers, veterans, their families, and civilian workers who can prove they were exposed and got sick.

Military Personnel and Veterans

Depending on their specific situations, military personnel and veterans may be eligible to pursue a legal claim if they: 

• Have a medical diagnosis linked to PFAS exposure at Fort Bragg.
• Can prove they spent time at Fort Bragg during the contamination.

Family Members and Civilians

Family members, including spouses and children of service members who lived at Fort Bragg, may also be eligible. Civilian workers exposed to contaminated water on base might also qualify.

Working with a Lawyer

Note: Fill out the form or call to see if legal options may be available. Inquiries will be shared with a partner law firm under a marketing arrangement to assist with next steps.

If you or a loved one lived at or near Fort Bragg and later became ill, you can request a free case evaluation from our partner law firm today!