Fort Benning PFAS Lawsuit [2025 Update]

Dangerous Levels of PFAS Chemicals at Fort Moore

Fort Moore (previously known as Fort Benning), located near Columbus, Georgia, has been identified as a site of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) contamination.

These synthetic chemicals, often referred to as “forever chemicals” due to their persistence in the environment, have been detected in groundwater sources at the installation.

Sources of PFAS Contamination at Fort Benning

The primary source of PFAS contamination at Fort Benning is the historical use of Aqueous Film Forming Foam (AFFF) in firefighting training and emergency responses.

AFFF, widely used by the military since the 1970s, contains PFAS compounds that can leach into soil and groundwater.

Activities such as firefighting drills, equipment testing, and emergency responses have contributed to the release of these chemicals into the environment.

PFAS Levels Detected at Fort Benning

Testing at Fort Benning has revealed significant PFAS contamination, with levels exceeding the EPA’s newly established Maximum Contaminant Levels (MCLs) for drinking water.

While this may seem relatively low compared to other contaminated military bases, any detectable level of PFAS is considered hazardous due to their cumulative effects on human health.

Testing results obtained by the Environmental Working Group (EWG) found that Fort Benning’s water contained the following PFAS levels:

• PFOS: 13,000 ppt
• PFOA: 1,200 ppt
• PFBS: 1,500 ppt

Given these strict regulatory standards, even low PFAS concentrations in drinking water sources pose a significant threat to human health.

Ongoing testing and remediation efforts at Fort Benning aim to measure PFAS levels accurately and mitigate the risks posed to military personnel and nearby communities.

Impacted Populations at Fort Benning

The PFAS contamination at Fort Benning has affected multiple groups, particularly those who rely on local drinking water sources.

The most vulnerable populations include:

• Active-Duty Military Personnel and Their Families: Service members stationed at Fort Benning and their families who lived on base may have consumed contaminated water for extended periods.
• Veterans and Former Base Personnel: Many veterans and former civilian employees who were exposed to PFAS years ago may now be experiencing health complications.
• Local Residents and Communities: Individuals living near the base, particularly those who rely on private drinking water wells, face potential exposure to PFAS-contaminated groundwater.
• Children and Pregnant Women: Studies show that infants, young children, and pregnant women are particularly susceptible to the harmful effects of PFAS exposure.

Given the widespread use of AFFF and the potential for long-term contamination, extensive testing and health screenings are necessary to assess the full scope of PFAS exposure at Fort Benning.

Addressing PFAS Contamination at Fort Benning

The Department of Defense (DoD), in collaboration with the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), has initiated a multi-phase investigation into PFAS contamination at Fort Benning.

Efforts to address PFAS contamination include:

• Extensive Water Testing and Monitoring: The DoD is conducting ongoing testing to identify PFAS concentrations in drinking water and groundwater.
• Providing Alternative Drinking Water Sources: In cases where contamination exceeds safe levels, residents and military personnel have been provided with bottled water and filtration systems.
• Exploring Remediation Technologies: The DoD is evaluating the effectiveness of filtration techniques such as activated carbon treatment and reverse osmosis to reduce PFAS levels in water supplies.
• Long-Term Cleanup Initiatives: The military is working to develop long-term strategies to mitigate PFAS pollution, including removing contaminated soil and restricting the use of PFAS-based firefighting foams.

While these initiatives represent progress, full-scale remediation remains a complex and time-intensive challenge.

Continued oversight and regulatory enforcement are necessary to ensure that the cleanup process remains effective.

Broader Implications of PFAS Contamination at Fort Benning

The PFAS crisis at Fort Benning reflects a nationwide issue affecting military installations across the United States.

The widespread use of AFFF has led to contamination at hundreds of military sites, sparking legal actions, regulatory changes, and public health concerns.

Some broader implications include:

• Increased Government Accountability: Lawsuits and advocacy efforts are pressuring the Department of Defense (DoD) to address PFAS contamination and provide medical monitoring for affected individuals.
• Stronger PFAS Regulations: The EPA has tightened drinking water standards for PFAS, compelling military bases and industrial polluters to reduce contamination levels.
• Environmental and Health Advocacy: Organizations like the Environmental Working Group (EWG) are working to raise awareness about the dangers of PFAS exposure and push for more stringent environmental protections.
• Legal Action and Compensation Efforts: Many affected individuals are pursuing legal claims against chemical manufacturers and government agencies, seeking compensation for medical expenses, property damage, and long-term health monitoring.

The case of Fort Benning underscores the urgent need for proactive policies, scientific research, and legal action to mitigate the long-term risks of PFAS exposure.

Without immediate intervention, military personnel, their families, and surrounding communities will continue to face the consequences of PFAS contamination for generations to come.

What Are PFAS Chemicals and Why Are They Dangerous?

Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are a group of synthetic chemicals used in a variety of industrial and consumer products since the 1940s.

These chemicals are valued for their ability to repel water, heat, and grease, making them common in firefighting foams, nonstick cookware, waterproof clothing, food packaging, and industrial coatings.

One of the most significant sources of PFAS contamination at military bases like Fort Benning is Aqueous Film Forming Foam (AFFF), a firefighting foam used for decades in training exercises and emergency fire suppression.

PFAS chemicals are often referred to as “forever chemicals” because they do not naturally break down in the environment.

They persist in soil, groundwater, and even the human body, leading to long-term contamination and health risks.

Over time, exposure to PFAS has been linked to numerous adverse health effects, including cancer, thyroid disease, immune system suppression, and reproductive harm.

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has classified certain PFAS chemicals as hazardous substances due to their toxic nature and ability to accumulate in drinking water supplies.

With PFAS detected in Fort Benning’s groundwater at concerning levels, the risks posed by these chemicals have gained national attention.

Efforts are being made to measure PFAS concentrations, regulate their use, and mitigate their long-term impact on military personnel, local communities, and the environment.

Why Are PFAS Considered Dangerous?

PFAS chemicals are considered dangerous due to their bioaccumulative nature, meaning they build up in the body over time and do not break down easily.

Unlike other hazardous substances that can be flushed from the system, PFAS remain in human blood, tissues, and organs, increasing the risk of long-term health complications.

Scientific studies and previous research have linked exposure to PFAS chemicals to a range of serious health problems, including:

• Increased Cancer Risk – Studies have shown a correlation between PFAS exposure and an increased risk of kidney cancer, testicular cancer, and liver cancer.
• Thyroid Disease and Hormonal Disruptions – PFAS chemicals interfere with thyroid function, leading to metabolic imbalances, hormonal changes, and autoimmune disorders.
• Immune System Suppression – Prolonged PFAS exposure has been shown to weaken the immune system, reducing vaccine effectiveness and making individuals more susceptible to infections.
• Liver and Kidney Damage – The body stores PFAS in the liver and kidneys, leading to organ dysfunction, high cholesterol, and chronic kidney disease.
• Reproductive and Developmental Issues – Pregnant women exposed to PFAS-contaminated drinking water may experience pregnancy complications, lower birth weights, and developmental delays in infants.

Because PFAS levels in drinking water can vary depending on exposure sources, individuals at military installations like Fort Benning are at a significantly increased risk compared to the general population.

The widespread use of firefighting foam and industrial solvents at military sites has made PFAS contamination a major public health crisis, with surrounding communities and military personnel facing long-term consequences.

Environmental Impact of PFAS

The environmental impact of PFAS pollution is widespread and long-lasting, affecting groundwater, soil, air, and wildlife for generations.

Because these chemicals do not break down under natural conditions, they accumulate in the environment and continue to spread through water systems, affecting ecosystems and public health.

Key environmental concerns related to PFAS contamination include:

• Groundwater and Drinking Water Contamination – PFAS chemicals seep into underground water sources, contaminating private drinking water wells and public water systems. At Fort Benning, PFAS pollution has raised concerns about safe drinking water for military personnel and surrounding communities.
• Soil and Agricultural Contamination – PFAS chemicals leach into soil, impacting crop production and potentially exposing the food supply to toxic substances.
• Bioaccumulation in Wildlife – PFAS chemicals accumulate in the bodies of fish, birds, and mammals, moving up the food chain and posing risks to both ecosystems and human health.
• Persistent Air and Water Pollution – PFAS have been detected in rainwater, rivers, and lakes, demonstrating their ability to spread far beyond their original source.
• Difficulty in Removing PFAS from the Environment – Unlike other toxic substances, PFAS cannot be easily filtered or removed from water systems using conventional treatment methods. Advanced filtration techniques, such as reverse osmosis, are costly and require long-term maintenance.

Because PFAS exposure affects both human health and the environment, agencies like the EPA, Department of Defense (DoD), and Environmental Working Group (EWG) are pushing for stricter regulations and scientific studies to fully understand the risks and long-term consequences of PFAS contamination.

The Need for Urgent Action

The widespread use of PFAS-containing products and their persistent nature have led to a nationwide crisis, particularly at military bases like Fort Benning.

The longer PFAS pollution remains unaddressed, the greater the risks become for military personnel, local residents, and the environment.

Urgent action is needed to:

• Strengthen PFAS Regulations – The EPA has issued new standards for maximum contaminant levels (MCLs)in drinking water, but more research is needed to establish stronger limits and prevent future contamination.
• Increase PFAS Testing and Monitoring – Military sites must measure PFAS levels in water systems regularly and provide public test results to ensure transparency.
• Implement Advanced Water Filtration Systems – Removing PFAS from drinking water wells requires state-of-the-art treatment such as activated carbon filtration and reverse osmosis.
• Provide Medical Monitoring for Affected Individuals – The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR) recommend clinical follow-ups for individuals exposed to PFAS-contaminated water.
• Hold Polluters Accountable – Legal actions are underway against PFAS manufacturers and government agencies to secure compensation for victims and fund clean-up efforts.

Fort Benning and other military sites with significant PFAS pollution must take immediate steps to reduce PFAS levels in water supplies and address PFAS contamination before more people are exposed to these hazardous substances.

Without rapid intervention, the health risks and environmental damage will only continue to grow.

PFAS Litigation: An Overview

The growing awareness of PFAS contamination at military bases, industrial sites, and public water systems has led to a surge in PFAS-related lawsuits across the United States.

Legal action has primarily focused on holding chemical manufacturers, government agencies, and other responsible parties accountable for the widespread environmental and health damage caused by per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS).

These lawsuits argue that corporations and the Department of Defense (DoD) failed to properly warn the public about the dangers of PFAS exposure despite mounting scientific evidence linking these chemicals to serious health risks.

Many lawsuits involve military installations, such as Fort Benning, where Aqueous Film Forming Foam (AFFF) was used extensively, leading to severe PFAS contamination in drinking water and groundwater.

Plaintiffs include military personnel, their families, civilian employees, and surrounding communities who were unknowingly exposed to toxic PFAS chemicals.

The litigation aims to provide compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, property damage, and pain and suffering caused by PFAS exposure.

These lawsuits play a critical role in enforcing stricter regulations and promoting long-term remediation efforts to address the PFAS crisis.

Key Defendants in PFAS Lawsuits

Numerous corporations, government agencies, and industries have been named as defendants in PFAS lawsuits due to their role in manufacturing, distributing, or using PFAS-containing products.

These entities are accused of negligence, failure to warn, and environmental contamination, leading to widespread human health risks.

Notable defendants in PFAS litigation include:

• 3M Company – One of the largest manufacturers of PFAS chemicals, 3M has been sued for its role in producing firefighting foams and industrial materials containing PFAS. The company has faced thousands of lawsuits and, in 2023, agreed to a historic $10.3 billion settlement to address PFAS contamination in public water systems.
• DuPont and Chemours – These chemical giants have been central to PFAS production for decades, manufacturing Teflon coatings, firefighting foams, and industrial solvents containing toxic PFAS chemicals. In 2023, DuPont, Chemours, and Corteva reached a $1.19 billion settlement to help remediate PFAS pollution in drinking water supplies.
• The U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) – Military bases, including Fort Benning, have been identified as major sources of PFAS contamination due to the widespread use of AFFF in firefighting training and emergency responses. The DoD is facing lawsuits from veterans, service members, and affected communities seeking compensation for health problems linked to PFAS exposure.
• Tyco Fire Products and Kidde-Fenwal – These companies have been sued for their role in manufacturing and distributing PFAS-based firefighting foams, which have contributed to extensive water contamination near military installations, airports, and fire training sites.
• Industrial and Consumer Product Manufacturers – Companies producing nonstick cookware, water-resistant textiles, food packaging, and other PFAS-containing consumer goods have been implicated in lawsuits for their role in contaminating drinking water supplies and exposing consumers to toxic chemicals.

These defendants are accused of knowingly allowing PFAS chemicals to enter the environment and endanger public health while failing to take adequate steps to mitigate the damage.

Do You Qualify For The Fort Benning PFAS Lawsuit?

If you or a loved one lived, worked, or served at Fort Benning and were exposed to PFAS-contaminated drinking water, you may be eligible to file a Fort Benning PFAS lawsuit.

Military personnel, their families, civilian employees, and residents in surrounding communities may have unknowingly consumed or come into contact with toxic PFAS chemicals due to the extensive use of Aqueous Film Forming Foam (AFFF) for firefighting training at the base.

To qualify for legal action, individuals must demonstrate that they were exposed to dangerous PFAS levels at Fort Benning and that they have experienced adverse health effects linked to PFAS exposure.

Research has connected PFAS contamination to serious illnesses, including thyroid disease, kidney cancer, immune system disorders, and reproductive harm.

Lawsuits aim to secure compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other damages resulting from PFAS exposure.

If you have been diagnosed with a health condition linked to PFAS and lived or worked at Fort Benning, it is important to seek legal guidance to determine your eligibility.

Contact an experienced PFAS attorney to discuss your legal options and take the first step toward seeking justice.

Gathering Evidence for a Claim

Building a strong PFAS lawsuit requires comprehensive evidence to prove exposure, establish contamination levels, and demonstrate the resulting health consequences.

If you are considering legal action related to PFAS contamination at Fort Benning, the following types of evidence can help strengthen your claim:

• Water Testing Results – Reports showing PFAS detected in drinking water supplies, private drinking water wells, or public water systems at Fort Benning. EPA-issued and Unregulated Contaminant Monitoring Rule (UCMR) data can help demonstrate contamination levels.
• Medical Records – Documentation of health problems linked to PFAS exposure, such as kidney cancer, thyroid disease, liver damage, or immune disorders.
• Residency or Employment Records – Proof that you lived, worked, or served at Fort Benning during the period of PFAS contamination. Military service records, lease agreements, and employment history can support your claim.
• Environmental Studies & Government Reports – Scientific research and government-issued PFAS testingreports that confirm contaminated drinking water at Fort Benning and surrounding areas.
• Expert Testimony – Medical professionals and environmental experts can provide critical testimony linking PFAS exposure to serious health conditions and explaining the long-term risks of PFAS pollution.

Given the widespread use of PFAS chemicals at military installations, individuals who were exposed to toxic substances at Fort Benning should take immediate action to protect their legal rights.

A PFAS lawyer can help gather evidence, build a strong case, and pursue compensation on your behalf.

If you believe you have suffered health effects due to PFAS exposure, contact TorHoerman Law today for a free case evaluation and to learn more about your legal options.

TorHoerman Law: Investigating PFAS Lawsuits at Fort Benning

TorHoerman Law is actively investigating PFAS contamination at Fort Benning and its impact on military personnel, veterans, civilian employees, and nearby residents.

The widespread use of Aqueous Film Forming Foam (AFFF) at the base has led to dangerously high levels of PFAS chemicals in groundwater and drinking water supplies, posing significant health risks to those exposed.

Our legal team is committed to holding the Department of Defense (DoD), chemical manufacturers, and other responsible parties accountable for their role in PFAS pollution at Fort Benning.

Studies have linked PFAS exposureto serious health conditions such as thyroid disease, kidney cancer, immune disorders, and reproductive harm.

We are dedicated to helping affected individuals seek compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other damages caused by PFAS contamination.

TorHoerman Law has extensive experience in environmental litigation and has successfully represented individuals impacted by toxic chemical exposure.

If you or a loved one were exposed to PFAS-contaminated drinking water at Fort Benning and have since developed health issues, you may be eligible for legal action.

Contact TorHoerman Law today for a free consultation, or use the chatbot on this page for an instant case evaluation.

Let us help you fight for justice and accountability for the harm caused by PFAS contamination at Fort Benning.