Why Are So Many Military Bases Contaminated with PFAS?

What Are PFAS and Why Are They Dangerous?

Key Takeaways

• Hundreds of US Military bases have confirmed or suspected PFAS contamination.
• Some studies suggest possible associations between PFAS exposure and health conditions, including certain cancers. Research is still ongoing.
• The response from the government was delayed.
• Cleanup is underway, but it can vary by location.
• Some individuals may be eligible to pursue legal claims related to military base water contamination. Eligibility depends on individual circumstances.

PFAS is short for per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances.

PFAS is a group of man-made chemicals that have a variety of uses. Some of these uses include:

• Military uses
• Industrial uses
• Consumer goods (used for resistant properties: non-stick, water-resistance, heat-resistance, etc.)

Moreover, PFAS have garnered the nickname “forever chemicals” because of their difficulty decomposing. In fact, some studies suggest they’ll take thousands of years to break down in the environment.

Health Conditions Under Study for Possible Links to PFAS Exposure

Exposure to PFAS chemicals has been linked to various health conditions, but research is ongoing.

According to the following organizations and publications:

• Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)
• National Institutes of Health (NIH)
• Science Direct
• New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection

These health effects have been reported in some studies, but research is ongoing, and not all associations have been definitively established.

Cancers Cited in PFAS Exposure Studies

• Kidney cancer
• Testicular cancer
• Thyroid cancer
• Mouth and throat cancers
• Endocrine-related cancers
• Possible increased tumor incidence (observed in animal studies)

Non-Cancer Conditions Associated with PFAS in Studies

• High cholesterol
• Elevated uric acid
• Increased liver enzymes
• Liver damage and fatty liver disease
• Immune system suppression
• Decreased antibody response to vaccines
• Increased risk of childhood infections
• Thyroid disease (including hypothyroidism)
• Hormone disruption
• Decreased fertility
• Pregnancy-induced hypertension
• Developmental delays (low birth weight, accelerated puberty, bone variations, behavioral changes)
• Ulcerative colitis
• Obesity and metabolic syndrome
• Type 2 diabetes
• Insulin resistance
• Neurodevelopmental disorders
• Cognitive decline
• Neurodegenerative diseases

How Did PFAS End Up on Military Bases?

The Environmental Working Group’s (EWG) website has a map of over 720 military sites with known or suspected PFAS contamination. Now, let’s explore how so many military bases became contaminated with PFAS.

Firefighting Foam (AFFF)

In the 1970s, the military began using Aqueous Film Forming Foam (AFFF), aka firefighting foam, to put out fires on bases.

AFFF contains PFAS, and in many cases, it seeped into the groundwater and soil. In some cases, this contamination migrated into water supplies like wells, aquifers, and surrounding bodies of water.

That is the story of how PFAS allegedly entered the drinking water of so many individuals on and near military bases.

Routine Military Operations

Aside from AFFF, other military operations may be responsible for PFAS contamination at certain sites.

• This report from the Department of Defense mentions maintenance practices that may have contributed to contamination. Specifically, it points out degreasers that were used to remove substances such as oil and tar from equipment.
• This report from the US Army mentions that everyday products used in laundry facilities may contain PFAS.

Faulty Wastewater Systems

In some cases, outdated or inadequate waste management systems may also have failed to filter out PFAS.

In the past, many military facilities had manual operation water treatment systems that were not designed to remove PFAS.

Why Was the Contamination Allowed to Continue?

It’s difficult to say why the use of PFAS in the military was not stopped. We have some of the following information, though.

Lack of Enforceable Federal Regulations

Until recently, there were no Federal rules regarding PFAS. In 2024, the Biden-Harris administration’s EPA finalized the United States’ first-ever national standards for PFAS in drinking water. Some communities have until 2031 to be in full compliance. These regulations specifically addressed six kinds of PFAS compounds. The rule is estimated to reduce PFAS exposure for around 100 million Americans.

Delayed or Restricted Testing by Military Environmental Programs

A 2021 report from the DoD said that they:

• Issued a “risk alert” regarding PFAS, then waited 5 years to start protecting service members from the threat.
• Failed to track blood test results of military firefighters, which was a violation of their policy.
• Failed to take an “enterprise-wide” approach in protecting military members from all PFAS sources, not just AFFF.

National Security Concerns

A 2023 article from KFF Health News claimed Pentagon officials said getting rid of PFAS would undermine Military readiness. This is because the military relies on weapons and other important items that contain PFAS.

Who Is Most At Risk of Developing PFAS-Related Health Conditions

What’s Being Done About the Contamination at Installations?

The DoD is actively assessing and addressing PFAS contamination at its sites.

The remediation work varies by site. Some of the things that have been done to decrease the dangers of PFAS include:

• To stop the use of AFFF by 2024 (some waivers allow it until October 1, 2026).
• Certain states have individually banned the use of PFAS, including the sale of AFFF
• Upgrades to water treatment and testing systems.
• Removal of chemicals from soil and groundwater.
• Designating places as Superfund Sites to clean them up and return them to productive use.
• The EPA created a National PFAS Testing Strategy. An aim of this program is to improve our understanding of various PFAS compounds.
• Community advocacy to spread awareness of the dangers of PFAS

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If you believe you were exposed to PFAS at a military base and later developed health issues, you may have legal options. Request a free legal consultation here.