Loring Air Force Base PFAS Lawsuit [2025 Update]

PFAS Contamination at Dangerous Levels in Loring Air Force Base Groundwater

Loring Air Force Base (AFB), located in Limestone, Maine, has a notable history of environmental contamination, particularly concerning per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS).

These hazardous substances, often referred to as “forever chemicals” due to their persistence in the environment, have been detected at concerning levels in the groundwater at the former military installation.​

Loring AFB served as a strategic base during the Cold War, hosting the 42nd Bombardment Wing and later the 42nd Air Refueling Squadron.

The base was integral to the United States’ nuclear deterrence strategy, housing B-52 bombers and other support aircraft.

To manage the risks associated with aviation operations, the base extensively used Aqueous Film Forming Foam (AFFF), a firefighting agent effective in suppressing fuel-based fires.

AFFF contains high concentrations of PFAS compounds, which, over decades of use in training exercises and emergency responses, have leached into the soil and groundwater.

Investigations into the environmental impact of AFFF usage at Loring AFB have revealed significant PFAS contamination.

Testing conducted in 2018 detected various PFAS compounds in on-base groundwater, with perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS) levels reaching 8,770 parts per trillion (ppt) and perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) levels at 811 ppt.

The combined concentration of PFOS and PFOA was 8,936 ppt.

The contamination has not been confined to the base’s perimeter.

Studies have shown that PFAS compounds have migrated into nearby waterways, posing potential risks to aquatic ecosystems and communities relying on these water sources.

However, testing on 39 private drinking water wells in the surrounding areas of Limestone, Caswell, and Caribou since 2022 detected PFOS and PFOA levels below the EPA’s standard of 4 ppt, suggesting that, at least in these instances, drinking water supplies have not been significantly impacted.

Who May Have Been Exposed to PFAS Pollution at Loring Air Force Base?

Individuals who lived, worked, or served at Loring Air Force Base (AFB) may have been exposed to PFAS contamination through groundwater, soil, and possibly airborne particles.

Military personnel who handled Aqueous Film Forming Foam (AFFF) or were involved in firefighting operations faced direct exposure to high PFAS concentrations.

Nearby communities relying on groundwater sources could also have been affected as PFAS migrated beyond the base’s boundaries.

While recent testing suggests that private drinking wells have not exceeded federal PFAS limits, ongoing investigations continue to assess potential long-term risks.

Potentially Exposed Groups:

• Military personnel and base workers – Individuals stationed or employed at Loring AFB, especially those involved in firefighting, aircraft maintenance, or emergency response.
• Firefighters and first responders – Those who directly handled AFFF during training exercises or emergency fire suppression.
• Local residents – People living near the base who may have been exposed through groundwater contamination or environmental runoff.
• Families of military personnel – Dependents who lived in base housing and may have consumed or used contaminated water.
• Civilian contractors – Individuals who worked on environmental cleanup, infrastructure projects, or other services on the base.
• Farmers and agricultural workers – Those who may have used water sources near Loring AFB for irrigation or livestock.

Loring Air Force Base is Among Hundreds of Military Sites with Dangerous PFAS Contamination

Loring Air Force Base (AFB) is one of over 700 U.S. military installations identified as having known or suspected releases of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), primarily due to the widespread use of Aqueous Film Forming Foam (AFFF).

The Department of Defense (DoD) has confirmed extensive PFAS contamination at bases across the country, affecting groundwater, drinking water supplies, and surrounding ecosystems.

These bases, like Loring AFB, used AFFF in routine firefighting training exercises and emergency response situations, unknowingly contributing to decades of environmental pollution.

Since PFAS are highly persistent in the environment, contamination remains a significant concern even at decommissioned bases where military operations ceased long ago.

Across the U.S., major military installations—including active bases, reserve facilities, and former sites—have reported PFAS levels far exceeding the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) maximum contaminant limits.

Some of the worst contamination cases involve bases where AFFF was used frequently, such as Ellsworth AFB in South Dakota, KI Sawyer AFB in Michigan, and Barksdale AFB in Louisiana.

These sites, like Loring AFB, pose serious risks to both military personnel and civilians who may have been exposed through contaminated groundwater or soil.

Communities near these bases are now facing long-term health concerns, including increased risks of cancer, immune disorders, and other chronic conditions linked to PFAS exposure.

What are PFAS Chemicals?

Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are a group of human-made chemicals that have been widely used in industrial applications and consumer products since the 1940s.

Known for their water- and grease-resistant properties, PFAS have been incorporated into everything from nonstick cookware and waterproof fabrics to food packaging and stain-resistant carpets.

Their widespread use has led to extensive environmental contamination, with PFAS being detected in soil, groundwater, surface water, and even the blood of humans and wildlife worldwide.

Due to their chemical stability, PFAS do not break down easily in the environment, leading to long-term contamination and bioaccumulation concerns.

A major source of PFAS pollution has been the military’s use of firefighting foam, known as Aqueous Film Forming Foam (AFFF).

This foam was developed in the 1960s to extinguish high-intensity petroleum-based fires and quickly became a standard tool for military and civilian firefighting operations.

Military installations, airports, and industrial sites used AFFF extensively in training exercises, fire suppression systems, and emergency response situations.

However, the toxic substances within AFFF—mainly perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) and perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS)—have since been linked to widespread environmental contamination and significant risks to human exposure.

At military bases across the United States, including Loring Air Force Base, decades of AFFF use have led to high levels of PFAS in groundwater, soil, and nearby public health water systems.

PFAS testing conducted by government agencies and independent researchers has repeatedly found contamination levels exceeding safe drinking water limits, prompting calls for stricter regulation and large-scale remediation efforts.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has recognized PFAS exposure as a serious public health concern, citing their persistence in the environment and their ability to accumulate in the human body over time.

Despite increasing awareness of the environmental risks posed by PFAS, regulatory efforts have been slow to catch up with the extent of contamination.

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has only recently begun implementing enforceable limits on PFAS in drinking water, while the Department of Defense has initiated cleanup programs at contaminated bases.

However, because PFAS are resistant to natural degradation, remediation remains a complex and costly challenge.

As research continues to uncover the full extent of PFAS contamination, the push for stronger regulatory oversight and safer alternatives to firefighting foam has become a national priority.

Health Risks Posed by PFAS Exposure

Extensive scientific studies have linked PFAS exposure to a range of health conditions, including various forms of cancer and immune system dysfunction.

Research indicates that prolonged exposure to these chemicals can increase the risk of breast cancer, pancreatic cancer, prostate cancer, and testicular cancer, particularly in individuals with high levels of PFAS in their blood.

Because PFAS are persistent and accumulate in the body over time, they can interfere with hormone regulation, liver function, and the body’s ability to fight disease.

Government agencies and researchers continue to measure PFAS in drinking water and human blood samples to assess the long-term impact on human health.

As concerns grow, efforts to regulate and remediate PFAS contamination at military bases, industrial sites, and water supplies remain a critical public health priority.

Potential Health Effects of PFAS Exposure:

• Breast Cancer: Studies suggest a link between PFAS exposure and increased breast cancer risk due to hormonal disruption.
• Prostate Cancer: PFAS may contribute to prostate cancer by interfering with androgen regulation and immune function.
• Testicular Cancer: Research has shown a strong association between PFAS exposure and elevated rates of testicular cancer, particularly among military personnel.
• Immune System Suppression: PFAS exposure can reduce the body’s ability to fight infections and respond to vaccines.
• Thyroid Disease: PFAS chemicals can disrupt thyroid hormone production, leading to metabolic and developmental issues.
• Liver Damage: Long-term exposure has been linked to liver inflammation, altered enzyme levels, and potential liver disease.
• Reproductive and Developmental Issues: PFAS exposure has been associated with fertility problems, pregnancy complications, and lower birth weights in infants.
• Increased Cholesterol Levels: Studies have found that PFAS exposure is linked to higher cholesterol levels, which can contribute to heart disease.
• Kidney Disease: PFAS have been detected in individuals suffering from kidney dysfunction, suggesting a possible link between exposure and renal impairment.
• Autoimmune Disorders: Emerging research suggests PFAS may increase the risk of autoimmune diseases by interfering with immune system function.

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

Exposure to PFAS in water can lead to serious health risks.

Military personnel and others who spent time on and around Loring Air Force Base may be at a higher risk for certain health conditions due to ongoing exposure.

If you or a loved one were exposed to PFAS contamination at Loring Air Force Base and developed health problems, contact TorHoerman Law 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 Loring AFB

Toxic PFAS chemicals have been detected in water in and around Loring Air Force Base.

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 Loring AFB, 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.