Travis Air Force Base PFAS Lawsuit [2025 Update]

Travis Air Force Base: PFAS Detected at Dangerous Levels

Travis Air Force Base (AFB), located in Fairfield, California, has been identified as a significant site of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) contamination, primarily due to the historical use of aqueous film-forming foam (AFFF) in firefighting activities.

PFAS are a group of synthetic chemicals known for their persistence in the environment and potential adverse health effects.

In 2018, groundwater sampling at Travis AFB revealed combined concentrations of perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) and perfluorooctanesulfonic acid (PFOS) reaching 712,000 parts per trillion (ppt), significantly exceeding the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) current health advisory level of 4 ppt.

Subsequent testing identified three off-base private drinking water wells with PFAS levels surpassing the EPA’s health advisory limits.

In response, the Department of the Air Force provided bottled water to affected residents until December 2021 and conducted follow-up sampling in October 2022 to ensure the effectiveness of mitigation efforts.

Despite these measures, Travis AFB remains among the “Filthy 50” military sites with high PFAS contamination, where formal cleanup activities have yet to commence.

According to the Environmental Working Group (EWG), PFAS concentrations at Travis Air Force Base were measured in 2017 at:

• PFOS: 300,000 ppt
• PFOA: 100,000 ppt
• Combined PFOS + PFOA levels (2018): 712,000 ppt
• PFBS: 14,000 ppt

How Did PFAS Pollution at Travis Air Force Base Occur?

PFAS pollution at Travis Air Force Base occurred primarily due to the extensive use of firefighting foams known as Aqueous Film Forming Foam (AFFF).

These foams, a major source of PFAS contamination, were historically used for fire suppression in aircraft-related emergencies and training exercises.

The base’s role in aerial refueling and maintenance of military aircraft increased the frequency of AFFF usage, contributing to environmental contamination.

Specific areas on the base, such as training zones and crash response sites, are suspected sources where PFAS chemicals seeped into the soil and groundwater.

The contamination persisted because traditional AFFF formulations contain high concentrations of PFAS, which are resistant to natural degradation.

Over time, these chemicals spread through water systems, posing human health risks to personnel and nearby communities who may have been exposed through drinking water and other means.

The Federal Aviation Administration has also historically endorsed the use of PFAS-based firefighting foams for aviation safety, further embedding these chemicals in operations.

Multiple factors, including the durability of PFAS and their widespread application, have made the contamination at Travis AFB a complex issue to address, requiring significant remediation and monitoring efforts.

Are PFAS Chemicals in Public Water Systems or Wells Near Travis Air Force Base?

Yes, PFAS chemicals have been detected in public drinking water systems and private wells near Travis Air Force Base (AFB).

In 2015, investigations revealed PFAS levels in the soil and groundwater at Travis AFB exceeding the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) drinking water health advisory.

By June 2020, these investigations expanded to off-base drinking water supply wells, identifying three private wells with PFAS concentrations above the EPA’s advisory level of 70 parts per trillion (ppt)

In response, the Department of the Air Force installed point-of-entry treatment systems for the affected residences and provided bottled water until December 2021.

Subsequent quarterly sampling has shown PFAS levels in these systems remain below 70 ppt.

espite these mitigation efforts, the persistence of PFAS in the environment necessitates ongoing monitoring and remediation to safeguard public health.

The situation at Travis AFB reflects a broader national concern, as a recent study indicates that up to 27% of Americans may have drinking water contaminated with PFAS chemicals.

Who May Be Exposed to PFAS Contamination at Travis Air Force Base?

PFAS contamination at Travis Air Force Base poses exposure risks to several groups on and around the base.

Military personnel and civilian employees who work on the base are particularly vulnerable due to potential contact with contaminated groundwater and soil.

Nearby residents relying on private wells or public water systems that may have been impacted are also at risk.

Families living on-base, including children, face heightened exposure concerns due to the potential for long-term effects of PFAS.

Groups at Risk of Exposure:

• Military personnel: Service members stationed at Travis AFB.
• Civilian employees: Non-military staff working on the base.
• On-base families: Spouses and children living on-base, potentially exposed through water and the environment.
• Nearby residents: People in the Fairfield area using private wells or local water systems.
• Maintenance workers: Those handling firefighting foam and related equipment.

PFAS Chemicals: What are They and Why are They Dangerous?

PFAS, or per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, are a group of synthetic chemicals valued for their water- and heat-resistant properties.

They have been used since the mid-20th century in products such as non-stick cookware, waterproof clothing, food packaging, and firefighting foams like Aqueous Film Forming Foam (AFFF).

Despite their practical uses, PFAS are known as “forever chemicals” because they do not naturally break down, persisting in the environment and accumulating in living organisms over time.

This persistence makes them especially dangerous, as even low levels of exposure can lead to serious health concerns.

Research has linked PFAS exposure to a number of potential health effects, including an increased risk of cancers, thyroid disorders, liver damage, and immune system suppression.

These chemicals are particularly concerning because they can migrate through soil and water, contaminating drinking water supplies and affecting both humans and wildlife.

Military installations, like Travis Air Force Base, have been significant sources of PFAS pollution due to decades of AFFF use in firefighting training and emergencies.

Addressing the dangers of PFAS requires stringent regulations, advanced remediation methods, and efforts to minimize human and environmental exposure.

Without intervention, PFAS contamination poses long-term risks to public health and ecosystems.

Health Risks of PFAS Exposure

PFAS exposure poses significant health risks due to the chemicals’ ability to accumulate in the body over time.

Even low levels of exposure can increase the likelihood of severe health conditions, especially for vulnerable populations like children and pregnant women.

Research has identified links between PFAS and various cancers, hormonal imbalances, and immune suppression.

The long-term persistence of these chemicals in the environment amplifies their impact on human health.

Health Risks of PFAS Exposure include:

• Cancer: Increased risk of kidney, testicular, and pancreatic cancers.
• Immune system issues: Suppression of the body’s ability to fight infections and respond to vaccines.
• Thyroid dysfunction: Hormonal imbalances and related health problems.
• Liver damage: Elevated liver enzymes and risk of chronic liver disease.
• Reproductive problems: Infertility, pregnancy complications, and developmental delays in children.

Do You Qualify for a Travis Air Force Base 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 Travis 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 Travis AFB

Toxic PFAS chemicals have been detected in water in and around Travis 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 Travis 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.