Eaker Air Force Base PFAS Lawsuit [2025 Update]

PFAS Chemicals at Dangerous Levels in Eaker Air Force Base Water

Eaker Air Force Base (formerly Blytheville AFB) in Arkansas has been identified as a site with alarmingly high levels of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) contamination.

These chemicals, often referred to as “forever chemicals,” are highly persistent in the environment and have been linked to severe health and environmental risks.

Historical use of aqueous film-forming foam (AFFF) during firefighting training and emergency responses is the primary source of PFAS contamination at the base.

Testing conducted at Eaker Air Force Base revealed PFAS concentrations significantly exceeding the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) current advisory limit of 4 parts per trillion (ppt) for drinking water.

According to data collected by the Environmental Working Group (EWG), PFAS levels at Eaker/Blytheville AFB are as follows:

• PFOA: 116,000 PPT
• PFOS: 164,000 PPT
• PFOS+PFOA: 280,000 PPT
• PFHxS: 359,000 PPT
• PFHxA: 100,000 PPT
• PFBS: 25,900 PPT

These staggering figures highlight the urgent need for remediation efforts and increased accountability.

PFAS contamination at these levels poses serious risks to local communities, military personnel, and surrounding ecosystems that rely on nearby water sources.

Exposure to such extreme PFAS concentrations can result in severe health effects, including cancer, liver damage, immune system suppression, and developmental issues in children.

Residents and former base personnel who relied on the water supply for drinking, cooking, and other daily activities may have unknowingly faced prolonged exposure to these toxic substances.

The data underscores the importance of addressing PFAS contamination at Eaker AFB to protect public health and restore environmental safety.

Cleanup Efforts at Eaker Air Force Base

Cleanup efforts at Eaker Air Force Base focus on addressing extensive PFAS contamination in groundwater and soil caused by historical use of firefighting foam (AFFF).

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the Department of Defense (DoD) are collaborating on remediation strategies, including advanced filtration methods like granular activated carbon and reverse osmosis to reduce PFAS levels.

Monitoring programs have been implemented to regularly test water supplies and ensure public safety while long-term solutions are developed.

Community engagement initiatives provide updates on cleanup progress and address concerns from affected residents and former military personnel.

These efforts aim to restore environmental safety, reduce health risks, and hold responsible parties accountable for contamination.

Health Risks Associated with PFAS Exposure at Eaker Air Force Base

The dangerously high levels of PFAS at Eaker AFB have been linked to severe health risks, including certain cancers, liver damage, and immune system suppression.

Prolonged exposure through contaminated water amplifies these risks for residents, military personnel, and their families.

Immediate action is critical to mitigate these long-term health impacts.

Environmental Impact of PFAS Contamination

PFAS contamination at Eaker Air Force Base extends beyond human health, severely impacting local ecosystems.

These chemicals persist in soil and water, affecting wildlife and potentially disrupting food chains.

The long-term environmental consequences highlight the urgent need for effective cleanup efforts.

Legal and Community Advocacy Efforts

Local communities and advocacy groups are working to raise awareness about the PFAS crisis at Eaker AFB.

Legal actions against responsible manufacturers and agencies aim to secure compensation for affected individuals and fund comprehensive cleanup programs.

These efforts strive to ensure accountability and promote sustainable solutions for PFAS contamination.

What are PFAS Chemicals and Why are They Dangerous?

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

Known as “forever chemicals,” PFAS do not break down naturally and remain in the environment and human body for decades.

These substances have been extensively used in industrial applications and consumer products, including non-stick cookware, water-resistant fabrics, food packaging, and firefighting foams, particularly in high-risk locations like military bases and airports.

Key Features of PFAS

Key features of PFAS include, but are not limited to:

Durability:

PFAS resist breakdown from environmental factors like heat, sunlight, and water.

Widespread Use:

Found in everyday items such as:

• Non-stick cookware (e.g., Teflon)
• Stain-resistant carpets and upholstery
• Water-repellent outdoor gear
• Food packaging (e.g., microwave popcorn bags)
• Industrial and household cleaning products

Environmental Persistence:

PFAS easily migrate into soil, water, and air, leading to widespread contamination.

Pathways of PFAS Contamination

Pathways of PFAS Contamination include, but are not limited to:

• Firefighting Foams: Used in fire suppression training and emergency response, these foams leach PFAS into groundwater.
• Industrial Discharges: Factories manufacturing or using PFAS release them into nearby waterways.
• Household Products: Everyday use of items containing PFAS contributes to contamination through disposal and runoff.

Populations at Higher Risk

Populations at higher risk of PFAS exposure include:

• Pregnant women and fetuses
• Children and infants
• Individuals living near military bases, airports, or industrial areas
• Workers in industries using PFAS

Health Risks Associated with PFAS Exposure

PFAS accumulate in the body over time, leading to significant and long-lasting health effects, even at low levels of exposure.

These chemicals can interfere with bodily functions and have been linked to numerous health conditions.

Health effects of PFAS exposure include, but are not limited to:

Cancers:

• Kidney cancer
• Testicular cancer

Endocrine and Hormonal Issues:

• Thyroid disease
• Hormonal disruptions
• Reproductive issues, including infertility

Organ Damage:

• Liver damage
• Kidney dysfunction

Immune System Impairment:

• Immune suppression
• Reduced vaccine efficacy in children

Developmental Concerns:

• Developmental effects in fetuses and infants
• Lower birth weights and developmental delays

Cardiovascular and Metabolic Risks:

• High cholesterol
• Increased risk of hypertension

Other Concerns:

• Chronic fatigue and systemic inflammation
• Neurological impacts from prolonged exposure

Environmental Impacts of PFAS

PFAS contamination is not limited to human health — it also significantly disrupts ecosystems.

These chemicals are absorbed by plants, ingested by animals, and travel through the food chain, ultimately affecting humans again.

Environmental effects of PFAS can include:

Water Contamination:

• Pollutes groundwater, rivers, and lakes.
• Impacts drinking water supplies for millions.

Wildlife Health:

• Causes reproductive issues and hormonal disruptions in animals.
• Accumulates in fish, leading to bioaccumulation up the food chain.

Ecosystem Imbalance:

• Long-term contamination disrupts soil health and vegetation.

Challenges in Addressing PFAS

Challenges in addressing PFAS include, but are not limited to:

Costly Cleanup:

• PFAS remediation requires advanced filtration techniques, such as reverse osmosis or activated carbon, which are expensive and labor-intensive.

Technical Complexity:

• Traditional water treatment plants cannot effectively remove PFAS.
• Long-lasting contamination complicates containment efforts.

Widespread Impact:

• PFAS contamination has been detected in remote regions, including polar ice caps, highlighting its global reach.

Why Are PFAS a Critical Concern?

The unique properties that make PFAS useful also make them dangerous.

Their ability to persist in the environment and accumulate in living organisms leads to a cycle of contamination that affects individuals, communities, and ecosystems.

Reasons PFAS are a major public health concern include:

Persistent Nature:

PFAS remain in the environment for decades, continuously exposing populations.

Bioaccumulation:

PFAS build up in the human body and animals over time, compounding their toxic effects.

Widespread Exposure:

• The National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) found PFAS in the blood of over 98% of Americans.

Health Consequences:

• Links to life-threatening illnesses and chronic conditions make PFAS exposure particularly harmful.

Steps Toward Addressing PFAS

Steps toward addressing PFAS can include, but are not limited to:

Policy and Regulation:

• Strengthened federal and state regulations on PFAS production and use.
• Mandated monitoring of drinking water for PFAS levels.

Public Awareness:

• Educating communities on the dangers of PFAS and ways to reduce exposure.

Litigation and Accountability:

• Holding manufacturers responsible for contamination through lawsuits.
• Compensating affected individuals and communities for cleanup costs and health impacts.

Addressing PFAS contamination is a complex but essential step toward safeguarding public health and preserving environmental integrity for future generations.

PFAS Litigation: An Overview

PFAS manufacturers and chemical companies are facing extensive legal action from individuals, communities, and government entities due to the widespread health and environmental impacts of these chemicals.

Plaintiffs allege that these companies failed to adequately warn the public about the dangers of PFAS, despite decades of evidence demonstrating their toxicity, persistence, and harmful effects on human health and the environment.

One of the primary focuses of PFAS litigation is contamination of drinking water.

Lawsuits frequently seek compensation for medical expenses, environmental cleanup costs, and property devaluation caused by PFAS contamination.

DuPont settled over 3,000 personal injury claims related to PFAS exposure near its Washington Works factory in Parkersburg, West Virginia, for over $670 million.

Communities near military bases like Eaker Air Force Base face the ongoing challenge of contaminated water supplies due to extensive use of firefighting foams containing PFAS.

Legal actions not only aim to secure justice and compensation for those affected but also to drive systemic change in the manufacturing, use, and regulation of PFAS chemicals.

These lawsuits seek to hold chemical companies accountable for the long-term damage their products have caused to public health and the environment.

Who Are Potential Defendants in PFAS Lawsuits?

PFAS lawsuits often target major chemical and manufacturing companies responsible for producing, distributing, or utilizing PFAS in firefighting foams and consumer products.

Plaintiffs argue that these companies knowingly allowed their toxic products to harm communities and contaminate drinking water supplies.

Military bases and industrial sites that heavily relied on AFFF firefighting foams are central to these cases due to the chemicals’ pervasive environmental impact.

Key potential defendants in PFAS and AFFF Litigation 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 face allegations that they knowingly disregarded the risks associated with PFAS, prioritizing profits over public safety.

The legal actions against them aim to recover damages for those affected and push for stronger accountability and regulatory measures to prevent further harm.

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

Exposure to PFAS chemicals in contaminated water poses significant health risks, as these toxic substances accumulate in the body over time.

This accumulation increases the likelihood of serious conditions such as certain cancers, immune system disorders, and liver damage.

Communities and families relying on drinking water contaminated with PFAS may face long-term health challenges from daily exposure, highlighting the urgent need for accountability and remediation.

If you or a loved one were exposed to PFAS-contaminated drinking water at or near Scott Air Force Base (AFB), you may be eligible for a PFAS lawsuit.

Contact our law firm today for a free consultation to discuss your legal options.

You can also use the chat feature on this page to connect with us and receive a free case evaluation.

Our legal team is actively investigating claims against PFAS manufacturers responsible for widespread contamination at military installations and surrounding areas.

Gathering Evidence for a PFAS Claim

Establishing a strong PFAS claim requires comprehensive evidence to demonstrate exposure and its impact on your health.

The collection of specific documents and data is crucial for linking PFAS contamination to the harm caused, strengthening your case and improving the chances of a favorable outcome.

Evidence in a PFAS Lawsuit may include:

• Medical Records: Documentation of health conditions such as cancers, immune disorders, or other illnesses associated with PFAS exposure.
• Water Testing Results: Reports showing elevated PFAS levels in local water supplies or household water systems.
• Employment or Residency Records: Proof of time spent living or working near Scott Air Force Base or other contaminated areas.
• Expert Testimony: Scientific or medical opinions establishing the connection between health conditions and PFAS exposure.
• Environmental Reports: Studies or assessments confirming PFAS contamination in the area surrounding Scott Air Force Base.

Taking swift action to collect and organize this evidence is essential for building a compelling case.

Reach out to our experienced attorneys today to begin the process and explore your legal rights.

TorHoerman Law: Investigating PFAS Lawsuits at Eaker Air Force Base

PFAS contamination near Eaker Air Force Base has posed serious health risks to residents, service members, and their families.

The use of firefighting foam (AFFF) has polluted local water sources with “forever chemicals,” linked to cancers, immune system suppression, thyroid disease, and other severe health conditions.

Despite knowing the dangers, many manufacturers failed to warn the public, leaving affected communities to suffer the consequences.

TorHoerman Law is actively investigating lawsuits against those responsible for PFAS contamination near Eaker Air Force Base.

If you’ve been exposed to PFAS and suffered health effects, contact us today for a free consultation or use the chat feature on this page for an instant case evaluation.

We’re here to help you seek justice.