Reese Air Force Base PFAS Lawsuit [2025 Update]

Reese Air Force Base: PFAS Pollution Detected at Dangerous Levels

Reese Air Force Base, located near Lubbock, Texas, has been identified as a site of significant PFAS contamination.

Groundwater testing has revealed dangerously high levels of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), a group of toxic, man-made chemicals often used in military and industrial applications.

These “forever chemicals” pose long-term threats to human health due to their persistence in the environment and their ability to accumulate in the human body over time.

According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), PFAS levels in groundwater at Reese AFB greatly exceed the agency’s 2024 maximum contaminant level (MCL) for PFOA and PFOS, which is set at just 4 parts per trillion (ppt).

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

• PFOA: 5,460 ppt
• PFOS: 1,820 ppt
• PFOA+PFOS: 5,633 ppt
• PFHxS: 12,000 ppt
• PFHxA: 3,710 ppt
• PFBS: 811 ppt
• PFBA: 462 ppt

These concentrations represent hundreds to thousands of times the EPA’s recommended limits and signal a major source of PFAS pollution, raising serious health and environmental concerns for nearby communities.

Sources of PFAS at Reese AFB

The primary source of PFAS contamination at Reese AFB is the historical use of aqueous film forming foam (AFFF)—a firefighting foam used extensively on military installations to suppress fuel fires.

This foam contains high concentrations of PFAS chemicals like PFOA, PFOS, and PFHxS, which leach into soil and groundwater after use.

Routine fire training exercises, emergency response activities, and industrial operations on the base contributed to years of PFAS releases into the local environment.

Poor waste disposal practices and aging infrastructure may have allowed these toxic substances to spread beyond the base boundaries, contaminating water systems used by nearby communities.

Impacted Populations at Reese AFB

Those most at risk from PFAS exposure at Reese AFB include former military personnel, base employees, and residents in surrounding communities who relied on private drinking water wells or local water supplies.

Many individuals may have unknowingly consumed contaminated water for years, increasing their risk of developing serious health problems.

Vulnerable populations—such as pregnant women, children, and individuals with pre-existing health conditions—face heightened risks of thyroid disease, fertility issues, immune dysfunction, and cancer.

The health risks posed by long-term PFAS exposure highlight the need for medical monitoring and clinical follow-up for those who lived or worked in proximity to Reese AFB.

Addressing PFAS Contamination at Reese AFB

The contamination at Reese AFB has prompted increased oversight and remediation efforts under the EPA’s Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act (CERCLA), commonly known as Superfund.

The U.S. Department of Defense is responsible for site investigations, water sampling, and cleanup planning.

Local officials and environmental groups have called for faster action, including widespread PFAS testing, removal of contaminated water, and the installation of treatment systems to protect affected households.

Many are also urging the government to fund long-term health care services for those exposed and to establish stricter standards to measure PFAS and regulate other hazardous substances.

Broader Implications of PFAS Contamination at Reese AFB

The PFAS pollution at Reese AFB reflects a national crisis of chemical contamination at military sites, where firefighting foams and industrial waste have led to widespread environmental degradation.

Reese AFB joins dozens of other military installations under investigation for PFAS contamination, including Fort Liberty, McAlester Army Ammunition Plant, and Hunter Army Airfield.

These cases underscore the urgent need for federal reform, improved PFAS testing, and accountability from chemical manufacturers and government agencies.

As more research reveals the serious health risks and environmental damage caused by PFAS, lawsuits and public pressure will continue to push for stronger protections and justice for affected communities.

What Are PFAS Chemicals and What Makes Them Dangerous?

PFAS, or per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, are a large group of synthetic chemicals developed in the 20th century for their ability to resist heat, oil, grease, and water.

These compounds have been widely used in firefighting foams, non-stick cookware, waterproof fabrics, and industrial applications.

What makes PFAS dangerous is their extreme persistence—they do not break down in the environment or the human body, earning the nickname “forever chemicals.”

Once released, PFAS can accumulate in soil, water supplies, and the bloodstream, where they may remain for decades and cause serious harm to both ecosystems and human health.

Why Are PFAS Chemicals Dangerous?

PFAS chemicals are dangerous because of their toxic nature and their tendency to accumulate in the human body over time.

They bind to proteins in the blood and concentrate in organs such as the liver and kidneys, where they can remain for years and interfere with normal biological functions.

Prolonged exposures have been associated with significant health risks posed to individuals and communities, including cancer, hormone disruption, and immune system damage.

The widespread presence of PFAS in drinking water near military sites like Reese Air Force Base raises serious public health concerns, especially in the absence of adequate regulatory oversight and remediation efforts.

Health Risks Associated With PFAS Contamination

Exposure to PFAS-contaminated drinking water has been linked to a number of serious health issues, many of which may not manifest until years after initial contact.

Health Risks can include:

• Kidney cancer
• Testicular cancer
• Thyroid disease
• Liver damage
• High cholesterol
• Immune system dysfunction
• And More

Because PFAS accumulate in the body over time and are difficult to eliminate, individuals exposed through contaminated water supplies—such as those living near Reese Air Force Base—may face escalating and compounding health risks that persist well beyond the period of initial exposure.

Environmental Impact of PFAS

PFAS contamination poses significant environmental risks, as these chemicals travel easily through soil and water, impacting groundwater, rivers, and drinking water systems.

Wildlife exposed to PFAS—such as fish, birds, and mammals—have been shown to suffer reproductive and developmental issues, hormone disruption, and immune deficiencies.

At military bases like Reese AFB, PFAS releases from firefighting foam have created widespread pollution that can migrate offsite and threaten the health of entire ecosystems and nearby communities.

The resilience of PFAS in the environment makes cleanup extremely difficult, requiring long-term remediation strategies that are both costly and complex.

The Need For Urgent Action

The serious health risks and environmental damage caused by PFAS exposure demand immediate and coordinated action.

Despite growing scientific evidence and alarming contamination levels at sites like Reese Air Force Base, regulatory responses have been slow, and many affected communities remain uninformed or unprotected.

Urgent steps are needed to expand PFAS testing, enforce strict maximum contaminant levels, and provide medical monitoring and financial support for those exposed.

Holding PFAS manufacturers and responsible government agencies accountable is critical to protecting public health and preventing future contamination.

Without decisive action, the widespread presence of PFAS will continue to endanger drinking water and the well-being of countless Americans.

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

You may qualify for the Reese Air Force Base PFAS Lawsuit if you lived, worked, or were stationed at or near the base and were exposed to contaminated drinking water containing high levels of PFAS chemicals.

Individuals who later developed serious health conditions—such as kidney cancer, thyroid disease, high cholesterol, immune dysfunction, or reproductive issues—may be eligible to pursue financial compensation.

Military personnel, base employees, and residents of surrounding communities who relied on local water systems or private wells are among those most at risk.

Eligibility is often based on several factors, including the duration of PFAS exposure, location of residence or service, medical diagnoses, and measurable PFAS levels in the environment or blood.

Because PFAS exposure can result in long-term health effects that develop over time, those affected should consult with an attorney to determine if they meet the criteria for a claim.

Legal action may help cover medical costs, loss of income, pain and suffering, and ongoing health monitoring related to toxic exposure.

Gathering Evidence for a PFAS Lawsuit

Building a strong PFAS lawsuit requires gathering evidence that proves exposure and connects it to your health problems.

Key evidence may include:

• Medical records showing diagnoses of PFAS-related conditions such as kidney cancer, thyroid issues, or reproductive harm.
• Proof of residence, employment, or military service at or near Reese AFB during the time of known contamination.
• Water testing results from private wells or municipal water systems that confirm PFAS concentrations above regulatory limits.
• Blood tests revealing elevated PFAS levels in the body, supporting long-term exposure.
• Environmental reports from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) or Department of Defense linking PFAS releases to the site.

Attorneys may also use scientific studies and expert testimony to help establish liability and strengthen your claim.

Working with an experienced PFAS lawyer ensures the proper evidence is collected and presented to support your eligibility for compensation.

TorHoerman Law: Investigating PFAS Lawsuits ar Reese Air Force Base

TorHoerman Law is actively investigating PFAS-related claims tied to Reese Air Force Base, where dangerously high levels of toxic “forever chemicals” have been detected in the groundwater.

These hazardous substances—primarily from the military’s historical use of firefighting foams—have been linked to serious and sometimes life-threatening health conditions, including kidney cancer, thyroid disease, immune system issues, and reproductive harm.

Our legal team is committed to helping individuals and families affected by PFAS exposure pursue justice and secure the compensation they deserve.

With a strong background in environmental litigation and toxic exposure cases, TorHoerman Law is prepared to hold responsible parties—including chemical manufacturers and military agencies—accountable for the contamination and its impact on public health.

We are currently offering free, no-obligation case evaluations for former base personnel, residents, and workers who may have been exposed to PFAS-contaminated drinking water near Reese Air Force Base.

If you or a loved one developed health problems after living or working near Reese AFB, contact TorHoerman Law today.

We can guide you through the legal process, help gather critical evidence, and determine whether you qualify to file a PFAS lawsuit.