Barksdale Air Force Base PFAS Lawsuit [2025 Update]

PFAS Chemicals at Dangerous Levels in Barksdale AFB Groundwater

Barksdale Air Force Base (AFB), located near Bossier City, Louisiana, has become a focal point of concern due to alarming levels of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) contamination in its groundwater.

Known as “forever chemicals” for their persistence in the environment, PFAS compounds pose long-term risks to both human health and the surrounding ecosystem.

Sources of PFAS Contamination at Barksdale AFB

The primary source of PFAS contamination at Barksdale AFB is believed to be aqueous film-forming foam (AFFF), historically used for firefighting purposes on military installations.

AFFF, designed to suppress fuel-based fires effectively, contains high concentrations of toxic PFAS compounds.

Over the decades, these chemicals have leached into groundwater through activities such as:

• Firefighting training drills
• Emergency response to fuel and aircraft fires
• Testing and maintenance of firefighting equipment and systems

As a result, PFAS compounds migrated from the soil into groundwater, impacting both on-base and surrounding water sources.

PFAS Levels Detected at Barksdale AFB

Testing at Barksdale AFB has revealed PFAS levels in groundwater that drastically exceed the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) health advisory limit of 4 parts per trillion (ppt) for PFOA and PFOS.

These findings underscore the severity of contamination and the potential health risks for individuals exposed to the affected water sources.

Key PFAS concentration levels include:

• Perfluorooctanoic Acid (PFOA): 200,000 ppt
• Perfluorooctane Sulfonic Acid (PFOS): 1,100,000 ppt
• Combined PFOA and PFOS Levels: 968,000 ppt (Environmental Working Group)
• Perfluorobutanesulfonic Acid (PFBS): 8,360 ppt

These levels indicate a significant environmental hazard that requires immediate attention to mitigate further harm.

Health Risks Linked to PFAS Contamination

Exposure to PFAS chemicals in drinking water has been linked to a wide range of adverse health effects.

These substances accumulate in the body over time, increasing the likelihood of long-term health issues.

Common health risks associated with PFAS exposure include:

• Kidney and testicular cancers
• Thyroid disease and hormonal disruptions
• Immune system suppression
• Liver damage and elevated cholesterol
• Developmental issues in infants and children exposed prenatally

The elevated PFAS concentrations at Barksdale AFB put military personnel, their families, and nearby residents at significant risk of these health concerns.

Impacted Populations at Barksdale AFB

PFAS contamination at Barksdale AFB affects a variety of groups.

Groups include:

• Military personnel and families: Living on base and relying on local water supplies.
• Civilian employees and contractors: Exposed through routine work on base.
• Nearby residents: Especially those using private wells or public water systems with elevated PFAS levels.

The prolonged exposure experienced by these populations amplifies the potential health impacts, highlighting the urgency for remedial action.

Addressing PFAS Contamination at Barksdale AFB

Efforts to mitigate PFAS contamination at Barksdale AFB are critical to safeguarding public health and restoring environmental integrity.

Actions underway or proposed include:

• Groundwater treatment systems: Implementing filtration methods, such as granular activated carbon or reverse osmosis, to reduce PFAS levels.
• Monitoring and testing: Conducting regular testing of groundwater, private wells, and public water supplies to assess contamination and remediation progress.
• Providing alternative water sources: Supplying clean drinking water to affected residents and base facilities.

While these efforts are essential, the persistence of PFAS chemicals requires sustained attention and comprehensive solutions to address the contamination effectively.

Broader Implications of PFAS Contamination at Barksdale AFB

The contamination at Barksdale AFB reflects a larger national crisis involving PFAS pollution at military bases and industrial sites across the country.

The health and environmental challenges posed by these chemicals underscore the need for stronger regulatory action, such as the EPA’s PFAS Strategic Roadmap, which seeks to limit exposure and improve water quality standards nationwide.

Residents and military personnel impacted by PFAS contamination must remain informed and advocate for accountability and cleanup efforts to ensure their safety and well-being.

The long-term risks associated with these chemicals demand urgent and coordinated action to protect affected communities and the environment.

What Are PFAS Chemicals and Why Are They Dangerous?

PFAS, or per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, are a group of synthetic chemicals renowned for their resistance to heat, water, and oil.

Often called “forever chemicals,” PFAS are highly stable and do not naturally degrade, allowing them to persist in the environment and accumulate in the human body over time.

Their widespread use in products like firefighting foams, non-stick cookware, water-resistant textiles, and industrial applications has made PFAS a significant environmental and public health concern.

At sites like Barksdale Air Force Base, PFAS contamination often stems from the use of aqueous film-forming foam (AFFF) in firefighting activities.

These chemicals leach into soil and groundwater, polluting drinking water supplies and posing serious risks to nearby communities.

Once in water systems, PFAS compounds spread rapidly, making them difficult and costly to remove.

Why Are PFAS Considered Dangerous?

The durability that makes PFAS useful in industrial and consumer applications also makes them hazardous.

Their ability to infiltrate and remain in soil, air, and water systems results in long-term contamination, while their bioaccumulative properties allow them to build up in the human body over time.

Even minimal exposure can lead to significant health risks, as PFAS compounds interfere with essential biological processes.

Health Risks Associated With PFAS Exposure

Research consistently links PFAS exposure to a variety of severe health problems.

These chemicals are particularly concerning because they accumulate over time, increasing their toxic impact.

Vulnerable populations, such as children and pregnant women, face heightened risks.

Health effects tied to PFAS exposure include:

• Kidney and testicular cancers
• Thyroid disease
• Liver damage and elevated cholesterol levels
• Immune system suppression, reducing disease resistance
• Reproductive and developmental issues in infants and children
• Hormonal disruptions
• Reduced vaccine efficacy in children

Environmental Impact of PFAS

Beyond human health, PFAS also have profound effects on ecosystems.

Wildlife exposed to PFAS-contaminated water or food sources often experience adverse health outcomes similar to humans.

These chemicals can transfer through the food chain, impacting entire ecosystems.

The persistence of PFAS in soil and water amplifies their threat, creating long-term challenges for environmental cleanup and restoration.

The Need for Urgent Action

Studies, including findings from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES), have detected PFAS in the blood of the vast majority of Americans, highlighting the ubiquity of these chemicals.

This widespread exposure emphasizes the urgent need to reduce PFAS contamination and mitigate the associated health risks.

Solutions such as granular activated carbon and reverse osmosis filtration can help remove PFAS from water, but addressing the root causes of contamination is critical for long-term public health and environmental safety.

PFAS Litigation: An Overview

PFAS manufacturers and chemical companies are facing growing legal scrutiny as lawsuits from individuals, municipalities, and government agencies highlight the serious health and environmental impacts of these “forever chemicals.”

Plaintiffs in PFAS litigation argue that these corporations knowingly withheld information about the toxicity and persistence of PFAS, endangering public health and the environment.

Legal actions frequently seek compensation for medical expenses, environmental cleanup, and property value losses stemming from PFAS contamination.

One major focus of PFAS lawsuits involves contaminated drinking water, particularly near military bases, industrial facilities, and manufacturing sites.

DuPont settled over 3,000 claims for $670 million related to PFAS contamination near its Washington Works facility in West Virginia.

Military bases where PFAS-laden firefighting foam (AFFF) was routinely used have become hotspots for litigation as nearby communities grapple with contaminated water supplies and related health risks.

These lawsuits not only aim to recover damages for affected communities and individuals but also push for stricter regulations and accountability from chemical manufacturers.

The overarching goal of PFAS litigation is to mitigate current contamination and prevent future exposure by promoting safer practices and more effective chemical management.

Key Defendants in PFAS Lawsuits

PFAS lawsuits target leading chemical manufacturers and suppliers alleged to have played a central role in producing or distributing PFAS-laden products such as firefighting foams and consumer goods.

Plaintiffs claim that these companies prioritized profits over public safety by continuing to use and sell PFAS despite mounting evidence of their harmful effects on human health and the environment.

Notable defendants in PFAS and AFFF lawsuits include:

• 3M
• DuPont (and its spinoff, Chemours)
• Tyco Fire Products
• Kidde-Fenwal
• Chemguard
• Dynax Corporation
• Corteva, Inc.
• AGC Chemicals
• Archroma
• BASF Corporation
• Arkema
• Solvay Specialty Polymers
• Daikin America
• Clariant Corporation

These companies are accused of failing to adequately warn the public or implement safeguards to limit PFAS exposure.

In cases involving AFFF, plaintiffs allege that extensive use of the foam on military bases and industrial sites directly contributed to widespread water contamination, putting both human health and local ecosystems at significant risk.

The Broader Goals of PFAS Litigation

Beyond financial compensation for affected individuals and communities, PFAS lawsuits aim to drive meaningful change in how these chemicals are regulated and managed.

By holding corporations accountable for their actions, these legal efforts seek to:

• Advance scientific understanding of PFAS exposure risks and long-term health effects
• Promote safer alternatives to PFAS in industrial and consumer applications
• Ensure comprehensive remediation of contaminated sites to protect future generations
• Establish stricter regulatory standards for PFAS levels in drinking water and other environmental resources

PFAS litigation represents a critical avenue for addressing the far-reaching impacts of these hazardous chemicals while advocating for greater transparency and accountability in the chemical industry.

Do You Qualify for a Barksdale Air Force Base PFAS Lawsuit?

Exposure to PFAS chemicals through contaminated drinking water can lead to severe health risks, as these “forever chemicals” persist in the body over time, increasing the likelihood of cancers, immune system disorders, and other chronic conditions.

Communities near Barksdale Air Force Base may have unknowingly consumed PFAS-laden water, putting families at risk of long-term health complications.

The persistent dangers of PFAS exposure highlight the urgent need for clean water access and swift remediation of contaminated areas.

Vulnerable populations, including children and individuals with existing health conditions, face amplified risks from prolonged exposure to PFAS in drinking water.

If you or a loved one were exposed to PFAS-contaminated water near Barksdale Air Force Base, contact our law firm for a free consultation.

Use the chat feature on this page for an instant and complimentary case evaluation.

Our attorneys are actively investigating PFAS-related claims, working to hold manufacturers accountable for their role in this environmental and public health crisis.

Gathering Evidence for a PFAS Claim

Building a successful PFAS lawsuit requires thorough documentation to establish exposure and its impact on your health.

Proper evidence can link contaminated water sources to health issues, supporting your claim for compensation.

Key evidence in a PFAS lawsuit includes:

• Medical Records: Documentation of health conditions linked to PFAS exposure, such as kidney cancer, thyroid disease, or immune system disorders.
• Water Testing Results: Records showing PFAS contamination in drinking water sources or private wells near Barksdale Air Force Base.
• Residency or Employment Records: Proof of time spent living, working, or serving in areas affected by PFAS contamination.
• Expert Testimony: Analysis from medical and environmental specialists connecting diagnosed health effects to PFAS exposure.
• Environmental Studies: Reports or data confirming PFAS contamination in the local environment or water systems.

By collecting this evidence, you strengthen your case and improve your chances of achieving a favorable legal outcome.

Contact our law firm to learn more about your legal options and the steps needed to protect your rights if you’ve been impacted by PFAS contamination.

TorHoerman Law: Investigating PFAS Lawsuits at Barksdale Air Force Base

Toxic PFAS chemicals have been detected in groundwater and water sources at and near Barksdale Air Force Base, raising alarm over the significant health and environmental risks posed by these “forever chemicals.”

Military sites like Barksdale are particularly impacted due to the extensive historical use of firefighting foam containing PFAS compounds.

Exposure to PFAS-contaminated water has been linked to a variety of serious health issues, including certain cancers, immune system suppression, thyroid disease, and liver damage.

The environmental effects of PFAS pollution also extend to nearby communities and ecosystems, creating widespread and long-term consequences.

At TorHoerman Law, our experienced PFAS lawyers are dedicated to investigating claims against chemical manufacturers and companies responsible for producing and distributing these hazardous substances.

Evidence shows that these companies were aware of the risks associated with PFAS exposure but failed to provide adequate warnings or take appropriate safety measures to protect the public.

If you or someone you know has suffered health problems linked to PFAS exposure at or near Barksdale Air Force Base, you may qualify to file a legal claim.

Contact us today for a free consultation to discuss your options.

You can also use the chat feature on this page for an instant case evaluation and to determine your eligibility for a PFAS lawsuit.