Seymour Johnson Air Force Base PFAS Lawsuit [2025 Update]

PFAS Detected at Dangerous Levels in Seymour Johnson Air Force Base Groundwater

Seymour Johnson Air Force Base (AFB), located in Goldsboro, North Carolina, has faced significant environmental challenges due to contamination from per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS).

The primary source of this contamination is the historical use of aqueous film-forming foam (AFFF) in firefighting training and emergency responses.

AFFF, widely used by the military for its effectiveness in suppressing flammable liquid fires or liquid fuel fires, contains high concentrations of PFAS, which are persistent in the environment and resistant to natural degradation.

According to testing published by the Environmental Working Group (EWG), PFAS Levels Detected at Seymour Johnson AFB in 2017 were:

• Perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) in groundwater (on-base): 100,000 parts per trillion (ppt)
• Perfluorooctanesulfonic acid (PFOS) in groundwater (on-base): 300,000 ppt
• Combined PFOS and PFOA in groundwater (on-base): 312,000 ppt
• Perfluorobutanesulfonic acid (PFBS) in groundwater (on-base): 14,000 ppt

These concentrations far exceed the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) health advisory level of 4 ppt for PFOS and PFOA, indicating a substantial contamination issue.

In response to these findings, the Air Force has undertaken measures to monitor and address PFAS contamination.

Regular sampling and analysis of the base’s drinking water system are conducted to detect the presence of 29 different PFAS compounds.

For instance, a validated sampling event on March 14, 2023, indicated the presence of several PFAS compounds within the Seymour Johnson AFB drinking water system, including PFOA at 0.0043 µg/L (4.3 ppt) and PFOS at 0.0067 µg/L (6.7 ppt).

Despite these monitoring efforts, concerns remain regarding the long-term environmental and health impacts of PFAS contamination at and around Seymour Johnson AFB.

The persistence of these chemicals in the environment necessitates ongoing monitoring, transparent communication with affected communities, and the development of effective remediation strategies to mitigate potential risks.

Who May Have Been Exposed to PFAS Pollution at Seymour Johnson AFB?

The primary source of PFAS contamination at Seymour Johnson AFB is the historical use of aqueous film-forming foam (AFFF) in firefighting exercises.

Accidental discharges of AFFF, such as those occurring in 2015 at Building 4735, led to significant releases of PFAS into the environment.

These incidents contributed to the contamination of local water sources, including the Neuse River, which borders the base.

While the base receives its drinking water from the City of Goldsboro Municipal System, ongoing monitoring and coordination with city stakeholders are essential to ensure water safety.

The persistence of PFAS in the environment necessitates continuous efforts to assess and mitigate exposure risks for both on-base and off-base populations.

Individuals who may have been exposed to PFAS pollution at and around Seymour Johnson Air Force Base (AFB) include:

• Military personnel: Service members stationed at Seymour Johnson AFB who may have consumed or used contaminated water.
• Base residents and employees: Individuals living or working on the base, including civilian staff, who utilized the base’s water supply.
• Local community members: Residents of Goldsboro and surrounding areas who rely on the Neuse River and local groundwater, which may have been affected by PFAS runoff from the base.

Are PFAS Chemicals in Public Drinking Water Systems or Wells Near Seymour Johnson AFB?

Yes, PFAS chemicals have been detected in both public drinking water systems and private wells in surrounding communities near Seymour Johnson Air Force Base (AFB).

In 2017, groundwater on the base exhibited PFOS levels of 300,000 parts per trillion (ppt) and PFOA levels of 100,000 ppt, significantly exceeding the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) health advisory level of 70 ppt.

Subsequent testing in 2023 indicated the presence of PFAS compounds in the base’s drinking water system, with PFOS detected at 6.1 ppt and PFOA at 4.3 ppt.

Private drinking water wells off-base have been found to contain PFAS levels above the EPA’s maximum contaminant levels, prompting concerns about the safety of local water supplies.

The Department of Defense has identified Seymour Johnson AFB as one of the installations with known PFAS contamination affecting both groundwater and drinking water sources.

Seymour Johnson AFB is Among Hundreds of Military Sites with Dangerous PFAS Contamination

Seymour Johnson Air Force Base is one of over 700 military installations across the United States grappling with significant PFAS contamination.

These bases have been heavily impacted by decades of using aqueous film-forming foam (AFFF), a firefighting agent containing high concentrations of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS).

These hazardous substances have leached into soil and groundwater, creating widespread environmental and public health risks for military personnel, their families, and nearby communities.

PFAS contamination at military sites, including Seymour Johnson AFB, has been linked to high levels of these persistent chemicals in water sources, often far exceeding regulatory limits.

The contamination reflects a broader problem across the military, as many installations still face challenges in addressing exposure risks and mitigating environmental damage.

With long-term health consequences such as cancer, immune suppression, and thyroid disorders associated with PFAS exposure, the need for immediate remediation and federal action is urgent.

Seymour Johnson AFB’s contamination underscores the larger issue of environmental stewardship within the military and the importance of accountability to protect both service members and surrounding populations.

PFAS Chemicals: An Overview

Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are a group of synthetic chemicals that have been widely used in industrial applications and consumer products for decades.

These chemicals have been used for their resistance to heat, water, and grease, making them key components in items like non-stick cookware, waterproof clothing, food packaging, and firefighting foams.

Despite their utility, PFAS have raised significant human health concerns due to their persistence in the environment and their ability to accumulate in humans and animals over time.

Often referred to as “forever chemicals,” PFAS do not easily degrade and have been detected in public water supplies, soil, and air across the globe.

The widespread use of PFAS, particularly in firefighting foams at military bases, has resulted in contamination of drinking water sources near these sites.

Previous research has linked PFAS exposure to a range of adverse health effects, including increased risks of cancer, thyroid disorders, immune system suppression, and reproductive issues.

These chemicals also impact animals, affecting ecosystems as they bioaccumulate through the food chain.

Public awareness of PFAS contamination has grown as testing has revealed their presence in thousands of public water supplies in the United States alone.

Addressing PFAS contamination presents significant challenges due to their persistence and the complexity of removing them from the environment.

Efforts are underway to develop advanced filtration systems and safer alternatives to reduce reliance on PFAS-containing products.

However, the legacy of PFAS pollution continues to pose risks to human health and ecosystems, highlighting the need for stringent regulations and proactive remediation.

As concerns mount, the focus remains on protecting communities and reducing the long-term impacts of these synthetic chemicals.

Health Effects of PFAS Exposure

Exposure to PFAS chemicals has been linked to numerous serious health issues, making them a significant concern for individuals and communities near contaminated sites.

These toxic substances accumulate in the body over time, increasing the risk of long-term health problems even with low levels of exposure.

Vulnerable populations, such as children, pregnant women, and individuals with compromised immune systems, face heightened risks.

Scientific studies continues to uncover the full extent of PFAS-related health effects, with recent research linking PFAS exposure to a range of cancers that were previously not associated with these chemicals.

Health Effects of PFAS Exposure:

• Cancers: Increased risk of kidney, testicular, and pancreatic cancers.
• Immune system suppression: Reduced ability to fight infections and weakened vaccine response.
• Thyroid dysfunction: Disruptions to hormone production and balance.
• Reproductive issues: Infertility, pregnancy complications, and developmental delays in children.
• Liver damage: Elevated liver enzymes and potential for chronic liver disease.
• Elevated cholesterol: Increased LDL levels, contributing to cardiovascular risks.
• Neurological impacts: Potential developmental and cognitive effects, particularly in children.
• Kidney disease: Chronic kidney conditions linked to prolonged exposure.

Do You Qualify for a Seymour Johnson AFB PFAS Lawsuit?

Exposure to PFAS in water brings serious health risks, as these persistent chemicals accumulate in the body over time, leading to increased chances of cancers, immune disorders, and liver damage.

The presence of PFAS in drinking water means that families and entire communities may be unknowingly affected, facing potential long-term health issues from daily use.

This ongoing exposure, especially in vulnerable populations, underscores the urgent need for clean, safe water and immediate action to reduce PFAS contamination in our environments.

If you or a loved one were exposed to PFAS-contaminated drinking water at or around Seymour Johnson Air Force Base (AFB), contact our law firm today 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 Seymour Johnson AFB

Toxic PFAS chemicals have been detected in water in and around Seymour Johnson 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 Seymour Johnson 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.