Muñiz Air National Guard Base PFAS Lawsuit [2025 Update]

PFAS Contamination at Muñiz Air National Guard Base: Overview

Muñiz Air National Guard Base in Puerto Rico has emerged as a significant site of concern in the national PFAS contamination crisis.

Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS)—toxic, long-lasting chemicals—were detected in surface and groundwater samples around the base in quantities that far exceed the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) health advisory levels.

These chemicals were introduced primarily through the routine use of aqueous film forming foams (AFFF) during firefighting training and emergency responses, leading to severe and persistent environmental pollution.

The contamination poses serious environmental and public health risks for both military personnel and nearby communities.

PFAS levels detected at Muñiz Air National Guard Base in 2019 were as follows:

• PFOS: 11,000 ppt
• PFOA: 2,300 ppt
• PFBS: 230 ppt
• PFHpA: 2,600 ppt
• PFHxS: 4,100 ppt
• PFNA: 400 ppt

These figures are significantly above the EPA’s Maximum Contaminant Level of 4 ppt for PFOS and PFOA, indicating a pressing need for remediation and community health protections.

Sources of PFAS at Muñiz Air National Guard Base

The primary source of PFAS contamination at Muñiz Air National Guard Base is the long-term use of aqueous film forming foams (AFFF)—a type of Class B firefighting foam designed to suppress flammable liquid fires.

These foam formulations contain high concentrations of fluorinated surfactants and PFAS compounds that persist in the environment.

Fire training exercises, equipment testing, and emergency fire suppression efforts have all contributed to repeated AFFF releases, allowing PFAS chemicals to leach into the soil, groundwater, and nearby public drinking water systems.

Additional contamination may stem from runoff entering wastewater treatment plants and surface water surrounding the base.

Impacted Populations at Muñiz Air National Guard Base

Those most at risk of PFAS exposure at and around Muñiz Air National Guard Base include active duty personnel, civilian employees, and residents of surrounding communities who rely on potentially contaminated drinking water supplies.

Individuals exposed to PFAS-containing firefighting foams may be at an increased risk of adverse health outcomes, including thyroid dysfunction, kidney cancer, immune system suppression, and reproductive health issues.

Vulnerable groups such as children, pregnant women, and individuals with pre-existing health conditions face heightened risks due to PFAS accumulation in the human body over time.

Addressing PFAS Contamination at Muñiz Air National Guard Base

Efforts to address PFAS contamination at Muñiz Air National Guard Base are guided by federal oversight from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and other federal agencies.

Current response efforts include PFAS testing, foam replacement programs (e.g., transitioning to fluorine-free foams), groundwater monitoring, and developing long-term remediation strategies.

Advocacy groups and impacted residents are calling for the removal of PFAS from the environment, greater transparency, and health screenings for affected individuals.

Coordination with military officials and environmental working groups is essential to mitigate further contamination and reduce exposure in future firefighting operations.

Broader Implications of PFAS Contamination at Muñiz Air National Guard Base

The PFAS crisis at Muñiz Air National Guard Base underscores the broader environmental risks associated with fluorinated foams across military installations.

This case reflects a systemic issue within the Department of Defense regarding outdated foam formulations that contain hazardous PFAS chemicals.

The persistence and mobility of these hazardous substances threaten not only military personnel but also nearby residents and ecosystems.

As national attention intensifies, Muñiz serves as a critical example of the need for stronger regulations, a transition to safer fire suppression alternatives, and comprehensive health protections for communities impacted by PFAS exposure.

What Are PFAS Chemicals and Why Are They Dangerous?

Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are a group of man-made chemicals widely used since the 1940s in products that resist heat, oil, stains, and water.

Commonly found in firefighting foams, non-stick cookware, and water-repellent fabrics, PFAS are remarkably persistent in the environment and the human body—earning them the nickname “forever chemicals.”

Because they do not break down naturally, PFAS remain in water, soil, and organisms for decades, compounding exposure risks over time.

Their durability and mobility pose a serious threat to human health, drinking water supplies, and natural ecosystems.

Why Are PFAS Chemicals Dangerous?

PFAS chemicals are dangerous because of their persistence, toxicity, and ability to accumulate in the human body and environment.

Once released—often through aqueous film forming foams used on flammable liquid fires—they can contaminate drinking water, seep into the ground, and spread through surface water and wastewater systems.

These compounds bind to proteins in the blood and can remain in the body for years, interfering with vital biological systems.

Exposure even at low concentrations has been linked to adverse health outcomes, making PFAS one of the most concerning environmental and public health hazards today.

Health Risks Associated with PFAS Contamination

Scientific studies have linked PFAS exposure to a growing list of serious health effects.

These include thyroid disorders, kidney and testicular cancer, liver damage, immune system suppression, and reproductive issues like pregnancy-induced hypertension and low birth weight.

PFAS may also impair the body’s ability to fight infections and reduce the effectiveness of vaccines.

Because they accumulate over time, the health risks increase with prolonged or repeated exposure—especially for vulnerable populations like children, pregnant women, and individuals with preexisting conditions.

Environmental Impact of PFAS

The environmental consequences of PFAS contamination are profound and far-reaching.

Once introduced through PFAS-containing firefighting foams or industrial runoff, these chemicals infiltrate surface water, soil, and aquifers, where they can travel great distances.

PFAS are toxic to wildlife, with studies documenting reproductive harm, organ damage, and developmental delays in exposed animals.

Contaminated ecosystems can remain hazardous for decades, threatening biodiversity, food chains, and the sustainability of local water supplies.

The widespread use of legacy foams and slow transition to fluorine-free alternatives continues to contribute to long-term environmental degradation.

The Need for Urgent Action

Addressing the PFAS crisis—at Muñiz Air National Guard Base and beyond—requires swift, coordinated action from federal agencies, military leadership, and environmental regulators.

As PFAS continue to pollute public drinking water systems and military installations, failure to act could result in irreversible health and environmental harm.

Immediate steps must include phasing out PFAS-containing foams, investing in fluorine-free fire suppression technologies, implementing widespread PFAS testing, and offering medical monitoring for affected populations.

The time to reduce exposure and hold responsible parties accountable is now—before more communities suffer the harmful effects of these hazardous substances.

Do You Qualify for the Muñiz Air National Guard Base PFAS Lawsuit?

You may qualify for the Muñiz Air National Guard Base PFAS lawsuit if you lived, worked, or served at or near the base and were exposed to contaminated drinking water or groundwater containing PFAS chemicals.

Individuals who relied on local or public drinking water systems near the installation and later developed health effects such as thyroid disease, kidney cancer, immune disorders, or other adverse health outcomes may be eligible to file a claim.

Eligibility often depends on the extent of PFAS exposure, duration of time spent in the affected area, and medical documentation connecting exposure to illness.

If your health or property was impacted by PFAS contamination linked to aqueous film forming foams (AFFF) used at Muñiz Air National Guard Base, you may be entitled to financial compensation through a personal injury or class action lawsuit.

Gathering Evidence for PFAS Lawsuits

To strengthen your PFAS lawsuit, it’s crucial to gather detailed evidence showing a link between your PFAS exposure at Muñiz Air National Guard Base and the health complications you’ve experienced.

Key evidence includes medical records that document your diagnosis, proof of residency or employment near the base, and water testing results showing elevated PFAS concentrations in the area.

Supporting documents such as military service records, witness accounts, and expert opinions on the health risks of PFAS contamination can also be valuable.

Legal teams may work with environmental scientists and toxicologists to measure PFAS in the environment and human body, helping establish liability and support your claim for fair compensation.

TorHoerman Law: Investigating PFAS Lawsuits at Muñiz Air National Guard Base

TorHoerman Law is actively investigating potential legal claims related to PFAS contamination at Muñiz Air National Guard Base, where testing has revealed dangerously high levels of toxic per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in groundwater and nearby drinking water supplies.

These chemicals, commonly found in aqueous film forming foams (AFFF) used for fire suppression, have been linked to a range of adverse health outcomes, including cancer, thyroid disorders, and immune system dysfunction.

Our legal team is dedicated to representing individuals and families affected by PFAS exposure, including current and former military personnel, base employees, and surrounding residents.

With extensive experience in environmental contamination and toxic exposure litigation, TorHoerman Law works alongside scientists, medical professionals, and regulatory data to build strong claims and pursue financial compensation for those harmed by PFAS-containing firefighting foams and related pollutants.

We believe that federal agencies, chemical manufacturers, and other responsible parties must be held accountable for the environmental risks and health consequences caused by their actions.

If you or a loved one has suffered health complications after being exposed to PFAS pollution at Muñiz Air National Guard Base, contact TorHoerman Law today for a free consultation or use the chatbot on this page to explore your legal options instantly.