George Air Force Base PFAS Lawsuit [2025 Update]

PFAS Chemicals at Dangerous Levels in George AFB Groundwater

Groundwater beneath George Air Force Base (AFB) in Victorville, California has been found to contain dangerously high levels of PFAS, or per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances—man-made chemicals known for their persistence in the environment and the human body.

These chemicals, often called “forever chemicals,” do not break down over time and can accumulate in drinking water supplies, posing long-term risks to human health.

PFAS exposure has been linked to serious health conditions, including kidney cancer, thyroid disease, reproductive disorders, immune system suppression, and developmental delays in children.

The levels of PFAS detected in George AFB groundwater far exceed the EPA’s proposed Maximum Contaminant Levels (MCLs), making the contamination one of significant concern for surrounding communities and former base residents.

Sources of PFAS Contamination at George AFB

The primary source of PFAS contamination at George AFB stems from the extensive use of aqueous film-forming foam (AFFF), a fire-suppressant foam used for decades during training exercises and emergency responses.

AFFF contains high concentrations of PFAS chemicals such as PFOA and PFOS, which leach into the soil and groundwater after use.

Repeated use of AFFF during military firefighting drills and fuel fire emergencies contributed to widespread PFAS infiltration into the base’s water systems.

In addition to AFFF, industrial processes, equipment maintenance, and waste disposal practices at George AFB may have also played a role in PFAS releases into the environment.

These activities collectively made the base a significant source of chemical pollution.

PFAS Levels Detected at George AFB

Testing conducted at George Air Force Base has revealed PFAS levels in groundwater that significantly exceed current health guidelines.

Many of the samples show concentrations thousands of times higher than the EPA’s proposed safe limits of 4 ppt for PFOA and PFOS.

According to data collected by the Environmental Working Group (EWG), PFAS levels in groundwater at George Air Force Base as of 2018 are as follows:

• PFOA: 5,210 ppt
• PFOS: 1,690 ppt
• Combined PFOA + PFOS: 6,900 ppt
• PFBS: 1,770 ppt
• PFHpA: 2,480 ppt
• PFHxA: 12,600 ppt
• PFNA: 170 ppt

These PFAS concentrations far exceed health advisory levels and pose serious risks to public health, particularly for those who relied on this water for drinking, bathing, or cooking.

Impacted Populations at George AFB

The populations most at risk from PFAS exposure at George AFB include military personnel, their families, civilian employees, and residents of nearby neighborhoods who may have relied on local groundwater or private drinking water wells.

Many of these individuals may have unknowingly consumed contaminated water over prolonged periods, increasing their risk of developing PFAS-related health conditions such as cancer, liver damage, hormonal disruption, and fertility issues.

Former service members stationed at George AFB before its closure in 1992 are among those most likely to have experienced extended exposure.

Children, pregnant women, and those with pre-existing health conditions are particularly vulnerable to the toxic effects of PFAS chemicals.

Addressing PFAS Contamination at George AFB

Efforts to address PFAS contamination at George AFB have been part of ongoing environmental investigations under the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act (CERCLA), also known as Superfund.

The U.S. Air Force is responsible for site assessments, water sampling, and potential remediation, but progress has been slow and inconsistent.

Communities and advocacy groups are demanding more transparency and faster action, including comprehensive PFAS testing in surrounding residential areas, medical monitoring for impacted individuals, and cleanup of contaminated soil and groundwater.

Calls for accountability also include legislative action to force military installations to meet new federal and state PFAS limits and to allocate funding for affected residents’ health care and water treatment needs.

Broader Implications of PFAS Contamination at George AFB

The contamination at George AFB reflects a much larger national crisis involving PFAS pollution at hundreds of military facilities across the United States.

As the EPA and scientific organizations continue to study PFAS exposure risks, cases like George AFB demonstrate the lasting environmental and public health consequences of inadequate chemical regulation.

The military’s historical reliance on PFAS-laden firefighting foams has left communities grappling with contaminated drinking water, potential long-term health effects, and the burden of navigating a complex cleanup and legal process.

The George AFB PFAS Lawsuit is part of a growing effort to hold the Department of Defense and associated agencies accountable for the significant environmental risks and human health costs associated with PFAS pollution at military sites.

What Are PFAS Chemicals And What Makes Them Dangerous?

Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are a class of over 12,000 man-made chemicals developed in the 1940s for use in products that resist heat, water, grease, and stains.

These compounds are found in everything from non-stick cookware and waterproof clothing to food packaging and firefighting foams like Aqueous Film Forming Foam (AFFF), commonly used on military installations.

What makes PFAS chemicals particularly dangerous is their extreme persistence — they do not break down naturally in the environment or the human body, and can remain for decades, leading to widespread, long-term contamination of soil, groundwater, and drinking water supplies.

Why Are PFAS Considered Dangerous?

PFAS are considered dangerous because of their toxicological profile and ability to bioaccumulate in humans and wildlife.

Studies show that even low-level exposure to certain PFAS compounds, such as PFOA and PFOS, can result in significant health effects.

Once PFAS enter the body — typically through drinking contaminated water or consuming tainted food — they bind to proteins in the blood and accumulate in organs, making them difficult to eliminate.

This persistent exposure can lead to chronic health problems, particularly for individuals living near contaminated sites like military bases or industrial areas.

Health Risks Associated With PFAS Contamination

The health risks linked to PFAS contamination are well-documented in both human and animal studies.

According to the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR) and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), PFAS exposure has been associated with:

• Kidney and testicular cancer
• Thyroid disease and hormonal disruption
• Liver damage
• Elevated cholesterol levels
• Weakened immune system response
• Increased risk of high blood pressure during pregnancy
• Developmental delays and low birth weight in infants
• Fertility problems and reproductive harm

Because PFAS accumulate over time, long-term exposure — even to small amounts — can pose significant health risks, particularly for pregnant women, children, veterans, and those with compromised immune systems.

Environmental Impact of PFAS

PFAS contamination poses serious and long-lasting threats to ecosystems and natural resources.

These chemicals can travel easily through soil and water, contaminating groundwater, rivers, lakes, and even the air.

Wildlife exposed to PFAS in contaminated environments — including fish, birds, and mammals — have been found to suffer from reproductive, developmental, and immune dysfunctions.

Contamination at military facilities like George Air Force Base doesn’t stay confined to the installation; it spreads into surrounding communities, affecting private wells, public water systems, and the food chain.

Cleanup is both costly and complicated due to the chemicals’ resistance to natural degradation, leaving many areas with no clear timeline for remediation.

The Need For Urgent Action

The PFAS crisis unfolding at sites like George Air Force Base demands immediate attention.

Despite growing evidence of the health and environmental consequences of PFAS exposure, regulatory action has been slow.

The EPA has proposed enforceable Maximum Contaminant Levels (MCLs) for several PFAS compounds, but cleanup at many military installations remains delayed or insufficient.

Urgent action is needed to expand testing of private drinking water wells, provide medical monitoring for affected populations, and ensure transparent communication with impacted communities.

Congress and the Department of Defense must accelerate funding and enforcement efforts to remove PFAS from contaminated areas and prevent future exposures.

Without decisive intervention, the legacy of PFAS pollution will continue to endanger human health and the environment for generations.

PFAS Litigation: An Overview

PFAS litigation has emerged as one of the most significant environmental and public health legal battles in U.S. history.

Thousands of lawsuits have been filed against manufacturers and users of PFAS chemicals, particularly in relation to contamination caused by firefighting foams like Aqueous Film Forming Foam (AFFF) and industrial discharges into water systems.

These legal actions typically focus on the failure of corporations to warn the public and regulatory agencies about the risks posed by PFAS, despite decades of internal research indicating harmful health effects.

Plaintiffs include municipalities, state governments, water utilities, military families, and individuals who have suffered illnesses believed to be linked to PFAS exposure.

Most of these cases have been consolidated into multidistrict litigation (MDL) in federal court to streamline proceedings and facilitate large-scale settlements or trials.

Broader Goals of PFAS Litigation

Beyond seeking individual compensation, PFAS litigation aims to achieve systemic change in how these toxic substances are regulated, used, and cleaned up.

A major objective is to compel responsible parties to fund the costly remediation of contaminated water supplies and soil, particularly in communities surrounding military bases and industrial sites.

Lawsuits also push for medical monitoring, public health interventions, and stronger regulatory standards — including enforceable Maximum Contaminant Levels (MCLs) for PFAS in drinking water.

PFAS litigation is raising national awareness about the risks of “forever chemicals” and putting pressure on lawmakers and regulatory bodies to act swiftly to protect human health and the environment.

These lawsuits are about justice — holding corporations accountable for decades of environmental negligence and preventing future generations from suffering the same fate.

Do You Qualify For The George Air Force Base PFAS Lawsuit?

You may qualify to file a George Air Force Base PFAS lawsuit if you lived, worked, or were stationed near the base and were exposed to contaminated drinking water or groundwater containing PFAS chemicals.

Individuals who developed serious health conditions such as kidney cancer, thyroid disease, immune system disorders, or reproductive issues after prolonged exposure may be eligible to pursue compensation.

This includes military service members, base personnel, family members, and residents in surrounding communities who relied on private wells or local water systems known to contain elevated PFAS levels.

Eligibility typically depends on factors such as length of exposure, proximity to the contamination source, medical diagnoses, and PFAS levels confirmed in drinking water.

If you suspect your illness may be linked to PFAS exposure at George AFB, it’s important to consult with an attorney experienced in environmental and toxic exposure cases.

Legal action could help you recover damages for medical expenses, loss of income, pain and suffering, and long-term monitoring for health complications.

Gathering Evidence for a PFAS Claim

Building a strong PFAS contamination lawsuit requires detailed documentation that connects your exposure at George Air Force Base to resulting health impacts.

Key pieces of evidence include medical records showing diagnoses of PFAS-related illnesses, residential history near the base, and employment or service records confirming your time at the facility.

If your home relied on private drinking water wells, water testing results indicating the presence of PFAS will be especially important.

Additional evidence may include blood testing, which can help detect elevated PFAS levels in the body, and expert testimony linking your health condition to toxic exposure.

Environmental records from agencies like the EPA or Department of Defense showing PFAS releases at George AFB can further strengthen your claim.

Working with an experienced environmental attorney can ensure this evidence is properly collected, interpreted, and used to build a compelling case for compensation.

TorHoerman Law: Investigating PFAS Lawsuits at George AFB

TorHoerman Law is actively investigating claims related to PFAS contamination at George Air Force Base, where dangerously high levels of toxic “forever chemicals” have been detected in groundwater and surrounding areas.

Our firm is committed to holding the responsible parties accountable — including military contractors, chemical manufacturers, and government entities — for the health and environmental damage caused by decades of unregulated PFAS use.

These lawsuits aim to secure compensation for individuals and families who were unknowingly exposed to hazardous substances while living, working, or serving at or near George AFB and other military bases.

With a proven track record in environmental litigation and toxic exposure cases, TorHoerman Law is prepared to pursue justice on behalf of veterans, base employees, and local residents suffering from PFAS-related illnesses such as kidney cancer, thyroid disease, and immune system dysfunction.

We understand the devastating impact that contaminated drinking water and prolonged PFAS exposure can have on a person’s life — physically, emotionally, and financially.

Our legal team is currently offering free consultations to help you determine whether you qualify for a claim related to George AFB PFAS contamination.

If you believe your health or the health of a loved one has been affected by PFAS exposure at George Air Force Base, contact TorHoerman Law today.

We’ll guide you through the legal process, help gather evidence, and fight for the justice and compensation you deserve.