Dyess Air Force Base PFAS Lawsuit [2025 Update]

PFAS Detected at Dangerous Levels in Dyess AFB Groundwater

Dyess Air Force Base (AFB), located near Abilene, Texas, has been identified as a site of significant per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) contamination, primarily due to the historical use of aqueous film-forming foam (AFFF) in firefighting training and emergency responses.

PFAS are a group of synthetic chemicals known for their persistence in the environment and potential adverse health effects, including certain cancers, developmental issues, and other health concerns.

According to data collected by the Environmental Working Group (EWG), PFAS Levels Detected at Dyess AFB are as follows:

• Perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA): 384,000 ppt
• Perfluorooctanesulfonic acid (PFOS): 171,000 ppt
• Combined PFOS and PFOA: 448,200 ppt
• Perfluorobutanesulfonic acid (PFBS): 76,700 parts per trillion (ppt)
• Perfluoroheptanoic acid (PFHpA): 38,200 ppt
• Perfluorohexanoic acid (PFHxA): 247,000 ppt
• Perfluorohexanesulfonic acid (PFHxS): 702,000 ppt
• Perfluorononanoic acid (PFNA): 4,270 ppt

These concentrations far exceed the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) health advisory level of 4 ppt for PFOS and PFOA.

The Department of Defense has acknowledged the widespread presence of PFAS at military installations, including Dyess AFB, and is actively working on remediation efforts.

The contamination at Dyess AFB underscores the critical need for comprehensive environmental assessments and timely remediation to mitigate potential health risks to military personnel and surrounding communities.

Ongoing monitoring and transparent communication with the public are essential to address the challenges posed by PFAS contamination effectively.

How Did PFAS Pollution at Dyess Air Force Base Happen?

PFAS pollution at Dyess Air Force Base occurred primarily due to the extensive use of Aqueous Film Forming Foam (AFFF), a firefighting agent that contains hazardous chemicals known as per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS).

AFFF was widely used on the base for firefighting training exercises and emergency responses to suppress fuel fires, a critical safety measure for military operations.

Over decades of use, these chemicals seeped into the soil and groundwater, leading to high PFAS levels in the environment.

Testing has revealed alarming PFAS concentrations at Dyess AFB, with combined PFOS and PFOA levels measured at 448,200 parts per trillion (ppt).

Specific PFAS compounds detected at Dyess include PFHxS (702,000 ppt) and PFHxA (247,000 ppt), which are consistent with the composition of AFFF used in military settings.

These chemicals are highly persistent in the environment, earning the nickname “forever chemicals,” as they do not break down naturally over time.

The contamination is widespread, affecting areas where AFFF was sprayed during training and firefighting, including airfields, maintenance zones, and storage facilities.

The reliance on AFFF for fire safety has left a legacy of contamination that continues to pose environmental and health risks for personnel and surrounding communities.

Dyess AFB exemplifies the challenges military sites face in addressing the long-term impact of these hazardous substances.

Are Public Water Systems Near Dyess Air Force Base Effected by PFAS Contamination?

Public water systems near Dyess Air Force Base (AFB) have been a subject of concern regarding potential PFAS contamination.

According to a memorandum from Dyess AFB, the base’s potable water system has been tested, revealing PFAS levels ranging from 0.54 to 0.89 parts per trillion (ppt), which are significantly below the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) health advisory level.

However, information about PFAS levels in public water systems outside the base is limited.

Given the high levels of PFAS detected in groundwater on the base, there is a potential risk of contamination to nearby public water systems.

Residents in surrounding communities are advised to stay informed through local water quality reports and consult with environmental agencies for the most current information.

Regular monitoring and transparency from both military and local authorities are essential to assess the safety of public water supplies in the vicinity of Dyess AFB.

Dyess Air Force Base is One of Hundreds of Contaminated Military Bases on US Soil

Dyess Air Force Base is one of over 700 military installations across the United States identified with significant PFAS contamination.

The widespread use of Aqueous Film Forming Foam (AFFF) for firefighting training and fuel fire emergencies has made PFAS pollution a systemic issue within the military.

These toxic substances have contaminated groundwater, soil, and nearby water sources, posing long-term health risks to service members, their families, and surrounding communities.

At Dyess AFB, testing revealed some of the highest PFAS concentrations among U.S. bases, with combined PFOS and PFOA levels exceeding 448,200 parts per trillion (ppt), far above the EPA’s advisory threshold of 4 ppt.

This contamination reflects a broader problem, as many bases still face challenges in remediation efforts despite growing public and governmental pressure.

The Department of Defense has acknowledged the issue and begun phasing out PFAS-containing foams, but the damage from decades of use continues to affect the environment and public health.

PFAS Chemicals: An Overview

Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are a group of synthetic chemicals widely used for their heat, water, and grease-resistant properties.

Developed in the mid-20th century, PFAS have become integral to industrial processes and consumer products, including non-stick cookware, waterproof clothing, firefighting foams, food packaging, and stain-resistant carpets.

These chemicals are often called “forever chemicals” due to their extreme persistence in the environment and inability to break down naturally.

Once released, PFAS accumulate in soil, water, and living organisms, leading to widespread environmental contamination.

A key source of PFAS pollution is the military’s use of Aqueous Film Forming Foam (AFFF), a firefighting agent designed to combat flammable liquid fires.

AFFF contains high concentrations of PFOS and PFOA, two of the most studied and harmful PFAS compounds.

While effective in firefighting, the runoff from AFFF use has contaminated groundwater at military installations, airports, and industrial sites globally.

Communities near these sites often face heightened risks of PFAS exposure through drinking water, soil, and even air.

Potential Human Health Concerns Associated with PFAS Contamination

Scientific research has linked PFAS exposure to a range of serious health issues, including cancers, thyroid disorders, liver damage, and immune system suppression.

Even low levels of exposure can pose long-term health risks, particularly for vulnerable populations such as children and pregnant women.

Under the Biden Harris Administration, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has established stricter regulations for PFAS in drinking water, with advisory limits set at just 4 parts per trillion (ppt) for PFOA and PFOS due to their toxicity.

Serious health problems linked to PFAS exposure include:

• Cancers: Increased risks of kidney, testicular, pancreatic, and liver cancers.
• Thyroid disorders: Disruptions to thyroid function, leading to hormonal imbalances.
• Liver damage: Elevated liver enzymes and long-term liver disease.
• Immune system suppression: Reduced ability to fight infections and weakened response to vaccines.
• Reproductive issues: Infertility, pregnancy complications, and developmental delays in children.
• Elevated cholesterol: Higher LDL cholesterol levels, increasing the risk of heart disease.
• Hormonal disruption: Interference with endocrine system function, affecting growth and metabolism.
• Kidney disease: Potential links to chronic kidney disease and reduced renal function.
• Neurological effects: Potential cognitive and behavioral impacts, especially in children.
• Developmental issues: Adverse effects on fetal and child development.

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

Exposure to PFAS in water brings serious health risks, as these persistent chemicals accumulate in the body over time, leading to increased chances of cancers, immune disorders, and liver damage.

The presence of PFAS in drinking water means that families and entire communities may be unknowingly affected, facing potential long-term health issues from daily use.

This ongoing exposure, especially in vulnerable populations, underscores the urgent need for clean, safe water and immediate action to reduce PFAS contamination in our environments.

If you or a loved one were exposed to PFAS-contaminated drinking water at or around Dyess Air Force Base (AFB), contact our law firm today for a free consultation.

Use the chat feature on this page to get in touch with our law firm and for a free case evaluation.

Lawyers are actively investigating the potential for PFAS Litigation against manufacturers who may be responsible for rampant contamination at and around military sites.

Gathering Evidence for a PFAS Claim

Building a strong PFAS claim requires thorough and organized evidence to demonstrate exposure and its effects.

Key documents, such as medical records and water testing results, help establish the link between

PFAS contamination and health issues.

Gathering this evidence is essential to support your claim and increase the likelihood of a successful outcome.

Evidence in a PFAS Lawsuit may include:

• Medical records documenting health conditions linked to PFAS exposure
• Water testing results showing PFAS contamination in local or household water sources
• Employment or residency records proving time spent near contaminated sites
• Expert testimony connecting health effects to PFAS exposure
• Environmental reports or studies indicating contamination levels in your area

TorHoerman Law: Investigating PFAS Lawsuits at Dyess AFB

Toxic PFAS chemicals have been detected in water in and around Dyess Air Force Base.

PFAS pollution is a national health concern, and is especially relevant near military sites where firefighting foam was used.

Exposure to PFAS contaminated water has been linked to a number of human health problems and environmental damage.

Our PFAS Lawyers are currently investigating lawsuits against chemical companies and PFAS manufacturers who knew about the risks of health effects but failed to warn the public.

If you’ve suffered from the serious health risks of exposure to PFAS at Scott AFB, you may be eligible to file a claim.

Contact our law firm today for a free consultation.

Use the chat feature on this page for an instant case evaluation to find out if you qualify for a PFAS claim instantly.