Lackland Air Force Base PFAS Lawsuit [2025 Update]

High Levels of PFAS Detected at Lackland Air Force Base

Lackland Air Force Base, now part of Joint Base San Antonio (JBSA) in Texas, has been identified as a site with significant PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances) contamination.

The primary source of this contamination is the historical use of Aqueous Film Forming Foam (AFFF), a firefighting agent extensively utilized in training exercises and emergency responses at the base.

The persistence of PFAS compounds in the environment has led to their infiltration into local groundwater and potentially the drinking water supply, posing health risks to military personnel, their families, and surrounding communities.

In response to the contamination, the Department of the Air Force has initiated remediation efforts and is conducting ongoing investigations to assess the full extent of PFAS pollution at Lackland AFB.

Despite these efforts, the long-term environmental and health impacts of PFAS contamination at Lackland remain a significant concern for all stakeholders involved.

According to data collected by the Environmental Working Group (EWG), PFAS levels at Lackland Air Force Base were measured in 2017-18 as follows:

• PFOS: 680,000 ppt
• PFOA: 76,000 ppt
• PFPeA (a short-chain PFAS chemical, structurally similar to PFOA but more water-soluble): 140,000 ppt
• PFHxA (A short-chain PFAS used in water- and stain-resistant coatings, firefighting foams, and industrial applications): 90,000 ppt
• PFHxS (A long-chain PFAS historically used in firefighting foams and textile treatments): 230,000 ppt
• PFHpA (A mid-chain PFAS found in industrial waste, stain-resistant coatings, and firefighting foams): 56,000 ppt

Who May Have Been Exposed to PFAS in Water at Lackland AFB?

PFAS contamination at Lackland Air Force Base poses a potential exposure risk to a wide range of individuals who lived, worked, or trained on or near the base.

Military personnel and civilian employees who used on-base water systems may have been unknowingly exposed to elevated PFAS levels through drinking water, bathing, or food preparation.

Surrounding San Antonio communities relying on groundwater near the base could also face exposure risks, particularly if contamination has migrated beyond military property.

Groups potentially exposed to PFAS at Lackland Air Force Base include:

• Active-duty military personnel stationed at Lackland AFB.
• Veterans and retirees who lived or trained on base.
• Base residents and families using on-base water sources.
• Civilian employees working on Lackland AFB.
• Firefighters and emergency responders handling AFFF on-site.
• Surrounding communities relying on groundwater or private drinking water wells near the base.

Lackland AFB: Among the Hundreds of Military Sites with Dangerous PFAS Contamination

Lackland Air Force Base is among hundreds of U.S. Military installations dealing with extensive PFAS contamination.

The Department of Defense has identified over 700 military bases in the United States alone that have had known or suspected releases of these harmful synthetic chemicals.

As mentioned, PFAS chemicals on these bases primarily stem from the historical use of Aqueous Film Forming Foam (AFFF), which was widely deployed in firefighting training exercises and emergency response situations.

At Lackland AFB, decades of AFFF use have led to high PFAS concentrations in groundwater, posing long-term risks to both military personnel and surrounding communities.

Efforts to measure PFAS at the base has confirmed that PFOS and PFOA levels far exceed EPA health advisory limits, similar to findings at other major Air Force bases.

The persistence of PFAS in the environment means that contamination can migrate, impacting nearby water sources and potentially exposing thousands of people.

As cleanup efforts to address PFAS continue across the country, Lackland AFB remains one of many military sites where PFAS contamination presents a serious challenge for environmental and public health officials.

What Are PFAS Chemicals and Why Are They Dangerous?

Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are a group of synthetic chemicals used for decades in industrial applications and consumer products due to their waterproof, grease-resistant, and heat-resistant properties.

These chemicals have been widely used in firefighting foams, nonstick cookware, food packaging, and stain-resistant fabrics, making them nearly ubiquitous in modern life.

However, scientific studies have shown that PFAS do not break down easily, allowing them to accumulate in the environment and human body over time.

Because of their persistence, detectable levels of PFAS have been found in drinking water, soil, and even the bloodstream of people worldwide.

One of the most concerning aspects of PFAS contamination is its toxic exposure potential, as these chemicals have been linked to a variety of serious health effects.

Research has demonstrated an increased risk of cancers, immune system suppression, thyroid disease, liver damage, and reproductive issues in individuals exposed to high levels of PFAS.

Although scientists continue to fully understand the long-term effects, growing evidence suggests that even low-level exposure can contribute to negative human health outcomes.

Because of this, PFAS-contaminated sites, including military bases, industrial areas, and water supplies, are increasingly reaching Superfund site status, requiring federal cleanup intervention.

As we’ve established, one of the primary sources of PFAS pollution is Aqueous Film Forming Foam (AFFF), which has been extensively used by the military and firefighting services to suppress fuel-based fires.

At military bases like Lackland Air Force Base, decades of training exercises and emergency responses using AFFF have resulted in high PFAS concentrations in groundwater and soil.

The contamination process occurs when PFAS seep into the ground, eventually entering public drinking water systems and private wells.

This has made it necessary to determine the extent of contamination through comprehensive testing and environmental assessments.

Efforts to address PFAS pollution are complex and ongoing, requiring advanced filtration technology and large-scale environmental remediation.

Researchers are continuously working to improve detection methods and develop process improvements for effective cleanup.

Without stricter regulations and more aggressive cleanup efforts, PFAS will continue to pose long-term risks to both public health and the environment.

Health Effects of PFAS Exposure

PFAS exposure has been linked to a wide range of health problems, many of which can develop after long-term accumulation in the body.

Because these chemicals do not break down easily, they persist in the bloodstream, leading to chronic health risks even at low exposure levels.

Studies have shown that people with detectable levels of PFAS in their bodies face a significantly increased risk of serious conditions, including certain cancers, immune disorders, and hormonal imbalances.

While researchers continue to study the full scope of PFAS-related health effects, existing evidence has already raised serious concerns about the impact on human health.

Known and Suspected Health Effects of PFAS Exposure include:

• Cancer risks – Increased likelihood of kidney, testicular, liver, and pancreatic cancers.
• Immune system suppression – Reduced ability to fight infections and weakened response to vaccines.
• Liver damage – Elevated liver enzymes and potential for chronic liver disease.
• Thyroid dysfunction – Disruptions in hormone production, leading to metabolic and energy regulation issues.
• Elevated cholesterol levels – Linked to long-term cardiovascular problems and heart disease.
• Reproductive and fertility issues – Increased risk of pregnancy complications, lower birth weights, and infertility.
• Developmental delays in children – Potential cognitive and motor function issues linked to prenatal and early-life exposure.
• Hormonal imbalances – Disruptions in endocrine function affecting overall health and well-being.
• Increased risk of high blood pressure during pregnancy – Linked to preeclampsia and other maternal health concerns.
• Neurological effects – Emerging studies suggest a connection to cognitive decline and behavioral disorders.
• Gastrointestinal issues – Possible links to inflammatory bowel disease and gut microbiome disruptions.
• Kidney disease – Higher likelihood of kidney damage and reduced function over time.
• Respiratory effects – Potential for lung inflammation and long-term breathing complications.
• Increased risk of autoimmune disorders – Links to diseases such as lupus and rheumatoid arthritis.
• Skin conditions – Some PFAS compounds have been associated with rashes and chronic skin irritation.

As research continues, it is becoming increasingly clear that PFAS exposure presents serious health risks, particularly for military personnel, firefighters, and communities living near contaminated water sources.

Do You Qualify for a Lackland Air Force Base PFAS Lawsuit?

Exposure to PFAS in water at Lackland Air Force Base presents serious health risks, as these long-lasting chemicals accumulate in the body over time, increasing the likelihood of cancers, immune system disorders, and liver damage.

The contamination of drinking water near Lackland AFB means that military personnel, their families, and surrounding San Antonio communities may have been unknowingly exposed for years, facing potential long-term health effects.

This ongoing exposure, particularly among vulnerable populations such as children and pregnant women, highlights the urgent need for clean, safe water and comprehensive action to reduce PFAS contamination.

If you or a loved one lived, worked, or trained at Lackland AFB and may have been exposed to PFAS-contaminated water, it is important to stay informed about testing, health monitoring, and potential legal options.

Contact TorHoerman Law for a free consultation.

Use the chat feature on this page for an instant case evaluation and to get in touch with our PFAS Lawyers.

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 Lackland Air Force Base

Toxic PFAS chemicals have been detected in groundwater at Lackland Air Force Base (now Joint Base San Antonio).

PFAS exposure is a national health concern, and those working at or living near contaminated military bases are at a high risk of health problems.

Our PFAS Lawyers are currently investigating lawsuits against chemical companies and PFAS manufacturers who knew about the risk of health problems but failed to adequately warn the public.

If you or a loved one have suffered from PFAS exposure at Lackland Air Force Base, you may be eligible to file a claim and seek compensation.

Contact TorHoerman Law today for a free consultation.

Use the chat feature on this page to find out if you qualify for a PFAS Lawsuit instantly.