Great Lakes Naval Station PFAS Lawsuit [2025Update]

PFAS Chemicals at Dangerous Levels in Great Lakes Naval Station Groundwater

The Great Lakes Naval Station (NSGL), located in North Chicago, Illinois, has emerged as a significant site of concern due to contamination by per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), often referred to as “forever chemicals.”

These synthetic compounds, primarily introduced through the historical use of aqueous film-forming foam (AFFF) for firefighting, are highly resistant to breaking down in the environment, posing long-term risks to both human health and the ecosystem.

Sources of PFAS Contamination at Great Lakes Naval Station

The use of AFFF at NSGL, beginning in the 1970s, is the potential primary source of PFAS contamination.

This foam, designed to effectively suppress petroleum-based fires, contains high levels of PFAS compounds.

These chemicals were routinely released into the environment during:

• Firefighting training drills
• Emergency responses to aircraft and fuel fires
• Maintenance and testing of firefighting systems in on-site facilities

The PFAS compounds migrated from the soil into groundwater and surrounding water bodies, contaminating vital water sources both on and off base.

PFAS Levels Detected at NSGL

Environmental testing at NSGL has identified PFAS levels in groundwater that significantly exceed the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) health advisory limit of 4 parts per trillion (ppt) for PFOA and PFOS.

Such elevated levels underscore the dangers posed by decades of exposure to these harmful chemicals.

Key findings from PFAS testing include:

• High concentrations of PFOS and PFOA in groundwater and nearby water systems
• Contamination of private wells and local public water supplies near the station
• Persistent environmental presence, with PFAS leaching into surface water and soil

These alarming levels pose direct risks to individuals relying on these water sources for drinking, cooking, and other daily activities.

Health Risks Linked to PFAS Exposure

Exposure to PFAS chemicals is associated with numerous adverse health effects, particularly due to their ability to accumulate in the human body over time.

Common health issues linked to PFAS contamination include:

• Increased risk of kidney and testicular cancers
• Thyroid disease and hormonal disruptions
• Immune system suppression, reducing resistance to illnesses
• Liver damage and elevated cholesterol levels
• Developmental effects on infants and children exposed prenatally

Communities near NSGL are particularly vulnerable, with residents potentially facing long-term health consequences from consuming contaminated water.

Who is at Risk of PFAS Exposure at NSGL?

PFAS contamination at NSGL has impacted a wide range of individuals.

Individuals include:

• Military personnel and their families: Stationed on base and dependent on local water systems for daily needs.
• Civilian employees and contractors: Regularly working on base and exposed to contaminated water during routine activities.
• Nearby residents: Especially those relying on private wells or public water systems shown to have elevated PFAS levels.

The prolonged nature of exposure amplifies the risks, as PFAS continue to accumulate in the environment and human bodies.

Efforts to Address PFAS Contamination

Remediation efforts at Great Lakes Naval Station are ongoing, although significant challenges remain due to the persistence and widespread nature of PFAS contamination.

Key actions include:

• Groundwater treatment systems: The implementation of pump-and-treat technology to reduce PFAS concentrations in affected water sources.
• Comprehensive testing and monitoring: Regular sampling of groundwater, private wells, and public water supplies to track contamination levels and assess the effectiveness of cleanup efforts.
• Provision of alternative water sources: Supplying clean drinking water to affected households and base facilities to reduce immediate exposure.

Despite these efforts, the scale of contamination at NSGL requires a long-term, multi-faceted approach to fully address the environmental and health risks.

Impact on the Surrounding Community and Environment

The contamination at Great Lakes Naval Station has far-reaching implications beyond the base itself.

Nearby ecosystems, including local wildlife and water systems, are at risk due to PFAS migration into the broader environment.

Contaminants have been detected in local water bodies, soil, and even food sources, raising concerns about the broader ecological impact of the contamination.

EPA Standards and Regulatory Action

The EPA’s recent regulation of PFAS levels in drinking water, establishing limits for PFOA and PFOS at 4 ppt, underscores the urgency of addressing contamination sites like NSGL.

These standards aim to protect public health by reducing exposure to these hazardous chemicals.

Public water systems are now required to actively monitor and mitigate PFAS levels, prompting greater accountability and cleanup efforts.

The PFAS contamination at Great Lakes Naval Station represents a critical environmental and public health challenge.

The persistence of these chemicals demands sustained attention and comprehensive remediation strategies to protect affected communities.

Residents, military personnel, and their families must remain informed and engaged as efforts to mitigate contamination risks continue.

What are PFAS Chemicals and Why are They Dangerous?

PFAS, or per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, are synthetic chemicals widely used in various industries due to their unique resistance to heat, water, and oil.

Commonly referred to as “forever chemicals,” PFAS do not degrade naturally, persisting in the environment and accumulating in the human body for decades.

These chemicals have been utilized in everyday products such as non-stick cookware, water-resistant textiles, and firefighting foams, particularly at high-risk locations like military bases and airports.

The environmental stability of PFAS allows them to infiltrate soil, air, and water sources, leading to widespread contamination.

In firefighting foams, PFAS compounds seep into groundwater, affecting drinking water supplies in nearby communities.

Individuals exposed to PFAS-contaminated water face increased health risks, including cancers, thyroid disease, liver damage, and immune system suppression.

These dangers stem from the cumulative nature of PFAS, as they build up in the body over time, amplifying their toxic effects.

The impact of PFAS extends beyond human health, disrupting ecosystems and threatening wildlife.

Animals exposed to PFAS experience adverse health effects similar to humans, which can transfer through the food chain.

This cycle makes PFAS a persistent environmental and public health threat, requiring complex and costly cleanup measures to mitigate their long-term effects.

Health Effects of PFAS Exposure

Exposure to PFAS chemicals through drinking water has been linked to numerous serious health conditions, even at minimal levels.

These chemicals accumulate in the body over time, magnifying their harmful effects.

Research indicates that PFAS can interfere with hormone regulation, compromise the immune system, and cause irreversible damage to vital organs.

Vulnerable populations, such as pregnant women and children, are particularly susceptible to these risks.

Potential health effects of PFAS exposure include:

• Kidney cancer
• Testicular cancer
• Thyroid disease
• Liver damage
• Immune system suppression
• High cholesterol
• Developmental effects in fetuses and infants
• Reduced vaccine efficacy in children
• Hormonal disruptions
• Reproductive issues

Independent studies, including findings from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES), reveal the pervasive nature of PFAS exposure, detecting these chemicals in the blood of the vast majority of Americans.

This widespread presence underscores the urgent need for action to reduce exposure and address the health risks associated with PFAS contamination.

PFAS Litigation: An Overview

PFAS manufacturers and chemical companies are under increasing scrutiny, facing lawsuits from individuals and government entities due to the significant health and environmental impacts of these chemicals.

Plaintiffs argue that these companies knowingly failed to warn the public about the dangers of PFAS, despite being aware of their persistence and toxicity.

These lawsuits often aim to recover damages for medical expenses, environmental remediation, and property devaluation caused by PFAS contamination.

A primary focus of PFAS litigation is contaminated drinking water, particularly in areas near military installations, industrial sites, and manufacturing facilities.

One notable case involved DuPont, which settled over 3,000 personal injury claims from residents near its Washington Works factory in Parkersburg, West Virginia, for more than $670 million.

Similar lawsuits have emerged around military bases, where PFAS-containing firefighting foam (AFFF) has polluted local water sources, posing serious health risks to residents, service members, and their families.

Legal actions not only seek compensation for affected individuals but also push for regulatory changes and greater accountability from manufacturers.

These efforts aim to improve how PFAS chemicals are managed to prevent further contamination and protect public health.

Who are Potential Defendants in PFAS Lawsuits?

PFAS lawsuits target major chemical manufacturers and suppliers responsible for producing, distributing, or utilizing PFAS in consumer products and firefighting foams.

Plaintiffs claim these companies knowingly endangered public health and the environment by continuing to use and sell PFAS despite evidence of their harmful effects.

Key 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 are being held accountable for their role in widespread contamination, particularly in cases involving AFFF, a firefighting foam used extensively on military bases and industrial sites.

Plaintiffs allege that these companies failed to take necessary precautions or issue adequate warnings about the risks of PFAS exposure, contributing to long-term harm to public health and the environment.

Do You Qualify for a Great Lakes Naval Station PFAS Lawsuit?

Exposure to PFAS chemicals in drinking water presents serious health risks, as these “forever chemicals” accumulate in the body over time, increasing the likelihood of cancers, immune system disorders, and liver damage.

PFAS contamination in water near Great Lakes Naval Station may have unknowingly affected families and communities, leading to potential long-term health consequences from daily consumption and exposure.

The ongoing health risks associated with PFAS exposure underscore the critical need for access to clean, safe water and swift action to reduce contamination in impacted areas.

Vulnerable populations, such as children and individuals with pre-existing health conditions, face heightened dangers due to prolonged exposure.

If you or a loved one were exposed to PFAS-contaminated drinking water at or near Great Lakes Naval Station, contact our law firm today for a free consultation.

Use the chat feature on this page to connect with us for a free and instant case evaluation.

Lawyers are actively investigating PFAS-related claims to hold manufacturers accountable for the contamination and its health consequences.

Gathering Evidence for a PFAS Claim

Building a strong PFAS lawsuit requires collecting comprehensive evidence to demonstrate exposure and its impact on health.

Essential documentation can help link contaminated water sources to health issues and strengthen your claim for compensation.

Key evidence in a PFAS lawsuit may include:

• Medical records documenting diagnoses and health conditions associated with PFAS exposure, such as kidney or testicular cancer.
• Water testing results showing PFAS contamination in local water sources or private wells.
• Residency or employment records proving time spent living or working near Great Lakes Naval Station.
• Expert testimony from medical or environmental specialists connecting health effects to PFAS exposure.
• Environmental studies or reports confirming contamination levels in the area.

By gathering this evidence, you can strengthen your claim and improve your chances of achieving a successful outcome.

Contact our law firm to learn more about the legal process and how to protect your rights if you’ve been affected by PFAS contamination.

TorHoerman Law: Investigating PFAS Lawsuits at Great Lakes Naval Station

Toxic PFAS chemicals have been detected in water at and around Great Lakes Naval Station.

PFAS contamination poses significant risks to human health and the environment, with military sites being among the areas most impacted due to the historical use of firefighting foam.

Exposure to PFAS-contaminated water has been linked to severe health issues, including certain cancers, immune system suppression, and liver damage.

The environmental impact of PFAS pollution also affects surrounding communities and ecosystems, creating long-term challenges.

At TorHoerman Law, our experienced PFAS lawyers are actively investigating lawsuits against chemical manufacturers and companies responsible for producing these harmful substances.

These companies knew about the risks of PFAS exposure but failed to adequately warn the public.

If you or a loved one has experienced health issues linked to PFAS exposure at Great Lakes Naval Station, you may be eligible to file a claim.

Contact us today for a free consultation.

Use the chat feature on this page to receive an instant case evaluation and find out if you qualify for a PFAS lawsuit.