Fort Wainwright PFAS Lawsuit [2025 Update]

PFAS Contamination Detected at Dangerous Levels at Fort Wainwright

Fort Wainwright has emerged as a site of serious concern regarding PFAS contamination, with environmental testing revealing elevated concentrations of these toxic “forever chemicals” in the local groundwater.

Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are synthetic compounds used in firefighting foams and military operations that do not break down naturally, allowing them to persist in the environment and accumulate in the human body.

These hazardous substances pose significant health risks to military personnel, their families, and residents in nearby communities who may have relied on contaminated drinking water supplies or private wells.

According to data reviewed by the Environmental Working Group (EWG) and other environmental organizations, PFAS levels at Fort Wainwright have far exceeded the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) updated health advisory limit of 4 parts per trillion (ppt) for PFOA and PFOS.

Reported concentrations of PFAS chemicals—including PFOS, PFOA, PFHxS, and others—were found at hundreds to thousands of times the EPA’s recommended maximum levels.

PFAS levels at Fort Wainwright were recorded in 2020-2021 as follows:

• PFOS: 3,300 ppt
• PFOA: 1,200 ppt
• PFBS: 6,500 ppt
• PFOA+PFOS in drinking water supplies on-base: 3.4 ppt

This level of contamination raises urgent concerns about potential health outcomes such as thyroid disease, kidney cancer, immune system disorders, and reproductive harm, especially for those who lived or worked at or near the installation.

The spread of PFAS into surrounding water systems further threatens public health and underscores the urgent need for widespread PFAS testing, groundwater remediation, and long-term medical monitoring.

As federal agencies continue their nationwide review of PFAS pollution at military sites, Fort Wainwright has become a high-priority location due to the severity of contamination and the risks it poses to human health and the environment.

If you or someone you love was exposed to PFAS-contaminated water at Fort Wainwright and has experienced health problems, you may be entitled to financial compensation.

Contact us for a free case evaluation, or use the chatbot on this page to check your eligibility instantly.

Sources of PFAS at Fort Wainwright

The primary source of PFAS contamination at Fort Wainwright is the historical and repeated use of aqueous film forming foam (AFFF) in firefighting training and emergency response exercises.

This foam, designed to quickly suppress fuel-based fires, contains high concentrations of PFAS chemicals like PFOS and PFOA.

Over decades, routine use of AFFF allowed these toxic substances to seep into the soil and groundwater beneath the base.

Additional sources may include maintenance operations, waste disposal practices, and runoff from airfields—all contributing to the widespread presence of PFAS in the environment.

Impacted Populations at Fort Wainwright

Those most at risk from PFAS exposure at Fort Wainwright include active-duty service members, civilian employees, military families living on or near the base, and residents in surrounding communities who rely on private drinking water wells or local water supplies.

Many individuals may have unknowingly consumed PFAS-contaminated water for extended periods, increasing their risk of developing serious health conditions such as kidney cancer, thyroid disease, and reproductive issues.

Vulnerable populations—such as children, pregnant women, and immunocompromised individuals—face heightened risks due to PFAS’s persistence in the human body and potential for long-term harm.

Addressing PFAS Contamination at Fort Wainwright

Efforts to address PFAS contamination at Fort Wainwright fall under federal environmental regulations, including the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act (CERCLA), also known as Superfund.

The Department of Defense, in coordination with the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), is responsible for investigating contamination, conducting PFAS testing, and planning remediation.

Progress has been slow, and many impacted residents remain concerned about continued exposure and lack of transparency.

Local officials and environmental advocates are urging faster action, expanded testing, medical monitoring, and stronger efforts to remove PFAS from drinking water supplies.

Broader Implications of PFAS Contamination at Fort Wainwright

The situation at Fort Wainwright reflects a much larger national crisis involving PFAS contamination at military bases across the country.

Like other installations, Fort Wainwright illustrates how long-term use of PFAS-based products has resulted in widespread environmental and health consequences.

The contamination underscores the need for systemic change, including stricter federal regulation of PFAS chemicals, accountability from manufacturers, and comprehensive cleanup strategies.

As PFAS-related lawsuits and scientific research continue to grow, Fort Wainwright stands as a warning of the long-lasting impact of “forever chemicals” on public health, water safety, and community trust.

What Are PFAS Chemicals and What Makes Them Dangerous?

PFAS, or per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, are a group of synthetic chemicals used in a wide range of industrial and consumer products since the 1940s.

Known for their resistance to heat, oil, and water, PFAS are found in firefighting foams, non-stick cookware, food packaging, and water-repellent fabrics.

What makes PFAS particularly dangerous is their persistence—often referred to as “forever chemicals,” they do not break down in the environment or the human body, accumulating over time and increasing the potential for harmful health effects.

Why Are PFAS Chemicals Dangerous?

PFAS chemicals are dangerous because of their toxic nature, long-lasting presence in the environment, and tendency to accumulate in the human body.

Once ingested or absorbed, PFAS bind to proteins in the blood and concentrate in organs such as the liver and kidneys, where they can remain for years.

Even at low levels, long-term PFAS exposure has been linked to severe health problems, and their widespread presence in drinking water near military installations like Fort Wainwright raises major public health concerns.

Serious Health Risks Associated with PFAS Contamination

PFAS exposure has been connected to a growing list of serious health issues, particularly in communities exposed through contaminated drinking water.

According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and other health authorities, potential health effects include:

• Kidney cancer
• Testicular cancer
• Thyroid disease
• Liver damage
• High cholesterol
• Immune system suppression
• Reproductive and developmental issues

Because PFAS build up in the body over time, people exposed to even small amounts through water, food, or air may face increased risks of long-term and potentially irreversible health problems.

Environmental Impact of PFAS

PFAS pollution causes widespread environmental damage by contaminating soil, groundwater, and surface water ecosystems.

These chemicals are highly mobile and can travel far from their original sources, affecting wildlife and entire water systems.

Fish, birds, and mammals exposed to PFAS have shown signs of developmental and reproductive harm, disrupting ecosystems and threatening biodiversity.

At military bases like Fort Wainwright, PFAS releases from firefighting foam have created long-lasting contamination that continues to pose risks to surrounding communities and natural resources.

Overview of the PFAS Litigation

PFAS litigation has emerged as a major legal response to widespread contamination caused by toxic “forever chemicals” found in drinking water, groundwater, and soil—particularly around military installations like Fort Wainwright.

Lawsuits have been filed by individuals, municipalities, and water utilities seeking accountability from chemical manufacturers and government agencies for knowingly releasing PFAS without adequate warnings.

These cases often center on the long-term health risks and environmental damage linked to PFAS exposure and seek financial compensation for medical bills, property damage, and water treatment costs.

Do You Qualify For The Fort Wainwright PFAS Lawsuit?

You may qualify for the Fort Wainwright PFAS lawsuit if you lived, worked, or were stationed at or near the base and were exposed to drinking water contaminated with PFAS chemicals.

Eligibility may also extend to individuals who relied on nearby private wells or public water systems and later developed health issues such as kidney cancer, thyroid disease, immune system problems, or other serious illnesses linked to PFAS exposure.

If you experienced health complications and can demonstrate a connection to contaminated water from Fort Wainwright, you may be entitled to financial compensation through a PFAS-related legal claim.

Gathering Evidence for a PFAS Lawsuit

To build a strong PFAS lawsuit, it’s essential to gather clear documentation linking your exposure at Fort Wainwright to your health problems.

Important evidence includes proof of residence or employment near the base, medical records showing diagnoses of PFAS-related conditions, and water quality reports confirming elevated PFAS levels.

Additional supporting materials may include military service records, expert testimony, and blood tests showing PFAS concentrations in your body—all of which help establish a strong case for compensation.

TorHoerman Law: Investigating PFAS Lawsuits at Fort Wainwright

TorHoerman Law is actively investigating potential lawsuits related to PFAS contamination at Fort Wainwright and other military sites, where dangerously high levels of toxic “forever chemicals” have been found in groundwater and drinking water sources.

Our firm is committed to holding accountable the chemical manufacturers and government entities responsible for exposing service members, civilian employees, and nearby residents to hazardous substances like PFAS.

With a proven track record in environmental and toxic exposure litigation, we aim to secure justice and financial compensation for those suffering from PFAS-related health problems.

If you or a loved one lived near Fort Wainwright and developed a serious illness tied to PFAS exposure, contact TorHoerman Law today for a free case evaluation.

You can also use the chatbot on this page for a free and instant case evaluation.