Fort Campbell PFAS Lawsuit [2025 Update]

PFAS Chemicals at Dangerous Levels in Fort Campbell Groundwater

Fort Campbell, straddling the Kentucky-Tennessee border, has become a focal point in the national discourse on PFAS contamination due to its extensive use of Aqueous Film Forming Foam (AFFF).

Developed in the 1960s through a collaboration between the U.S. Navy and 3M, AFFF was engineered to rapidly suppress high-intensity fuel fires, a critical need for military operations.

The foam’s effectiveness led to its widespread adoption across military installations, including Fort Campbell, where it was routinely employed in firefighting training exercises and emergency responses.

AFFF contains per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), a group of synthetic chemicals known for their persistence in the environment and potential adverse health effects.

Despite early indications of PFAS toxicity, the Department of Defense continued using AFFF for decades.

By the 1980s, internal studies had revealed environmental and health risks associated with PFAS, yet the military maintained its reliance on AFFF due to a lack of viable alternatives.

Recent investigations and PFAS testing have uncovered significant contamination from certain PFAS in the groundwater at Fort Campbell.

A study released by the Kentucky Department for Environmental Protection in April 2024 identified Christian County, home to a portion of Fort Campbell, as having the highest PFAS levels in the state.

These findings have raised concerns about potential exposure among military personnel, their families, and surrounding communities.

The situation at Fort Campbell reflects a broader issue affecting numerous military installations nationwide.

The Department of Defense has identified over 700 military installations with known or suspected PFAS releases, primarily attributed to AFFF usage.

According to the Environmental Working Group (EWG), levels of PFAS chemicals and other contaminants at Fort Campbell are as follows:

• PFOA: 3,700 ppt
• PFOS: 2,200 ppt
• Combined PFOA and PFOS: 5,900 ppt
• PFBS: 460 ppt

Who May Have Been Exposed to PFAS in Drinking Water at Fort Campbell?

Exposure to PFAS in drinking water at Fort Campbell is a significant concern due to the historical use of Aqueous Film Forming Foam (AFFF) during firefighting drills and emergencies.

Over time, PFAS from AFFF seeped into the soil and groundwater, potentially affecting those who lived or worked on the base.

Nearby communities that rely on private wells or unmonitored water sources may also be at risk from these toxic substances.

Groups Potentially Exposed to PFAS at Fort Campbell:

• Active-duty military personnel: Soldiers stationed at Fort Campbell during AFFF usage.
• Military families: Families living in on-base housing who may have used contaminated water.
• Civilian employees and contractors: Individuals working on the base for extended periods.
• Veterans: Those previously stationed at Fort Campbell who may have been exposed.
• Nearby residents: Communities relying on private wells near the base.
• Children and pregnant women: Particularly vulnerable groups due to developmental risks linked to PFAS.

Are PFAS Chemicals in Public Drinking Water Systems or Wells Near Fort Campbell?

Recent investigations have revealed the presence of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in both public drinking water systems and private wells near Fort Campbell.

In August 2023, the Army reported combined PFOS and PFOA levels of 33.7 parts per trillion (ppt) in the base’s finished drinking water, which, while below the previous EPA health advisory of 70 ppt, exceeds the EPA’s updated recommended maximum of 4 ppt.

These findings have raised concerns about potential exposure among military personnel, their families, and surrounding communities.

In response, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the U.S. Army have initiated a joint project to sample and test private drinking water wells near Army installations, including Fort Campbell, to assess PFAS contamination levels and inform necessary remedial actions.

What are PFAS Chemicals and Why are they Dangerous?

PFAS chemicals, or per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, are a group of synthetic compounds widely used in industrial and consumer products for their water, oil, and heat-resistant properties.

These chemicals have been in use since the 1940s and are found in everyday items such as non-stick cookware, water-repellent clothing, food packaging, and firefighting foams.

PFAS are often referred to as “forever chemicals” because they do not break down easily in the environment or the human body, leading to long-term contamination.

The widespread use of PFAS has resulted in their presence in soil, air, and water systems across the globe, posing significant risks to public health.

One of the primary dangers of PFAS lies in their persistence and bioaccumulation, meaning they build up over time in living organisms, including humans.

Studies have linked PFAS exposure to serious health problems, such as certain cancers (kidney and testicular), thyroid disorders, liver damage, and immune system suppression.

Even low-level exposure over time can result in harmful health effects, particularly for vulnerable populations like children and pregnant women.

Drinking water contamination has become a major concern, especially in areas near military bases and industrial sites where PFAS-containing firefighting foams have been used.

Due to their widespread contamination of water supplies, PFAS chemicals are now regulated more strictly by environmental agencies.

However, remediation is challenging because conventional water treatment methods cannot effectively remove PFAS.

The ongoing presence of these chemicals in the environment underscores the need for continued research, regulation, and cleanup to protect human health and ecosystems.

Potential Human Health Effects of PFAS Exposure

Exposure to PFAS chemicals has been associated with numerous adverse health outcomes, particularly in communities with contaminated water supplies.

Because these toxic chemicals accumulate in the human body over time, even low levels of exposure can lead to long-term health risks.

Vulnerable groups, such as children, pregnant women, and those with pre-existing health conditions, may be at greater risk for harmful effects from PFAS pollution.

Scientific studies continue to uncover more about the extent of PFAS toxicity and the serious medical conditions linked to exposure.

Potential health effects of PFAS exposure include:

• Increased risk of cancer: Linked to pancreatic, liver, breast, kidney, and testicular cancers.
• Thyroid disease: Disruption of normal thyroid function, leading to hormonal imbalances.
• Immune system suppression: Reduced ability to fight infections and respond to vaccines.
• Reproductive and developmental issues: Infertility, pregnancy complications, and developmental delays in children.
• Liver damage: Elevated liver enzymes and long-term liver disease.
• Elevated cholesterol levels: Higher LDL cholesterol, which can increase heart disease risk.
• Hormonal disruption: Interference with the endocrine system, affecting metabolism and growth.
• Kidney disease: Potential link to chronic kidney disease and other renal issues.

Do You Qualify for a Fort Campbell PFAS Exposure 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 Fort Campbell, 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 Fort Campbell

Toxic PFAS chemicals have been detected in water in and around Fort Campbell.

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 Fort Campbell, 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.