Whiteman Air Force Base PFAS Lawsuit [2025 Update]

PFAS Chemicals at Dangerous Levels in Whiteman AFB Groundwater

Whiteman Air Force Base (AFB) in Missouri has been identified as a site of significant PFAS contamination, primarily due to the historical use of Aqueous Film Forming Foam (AFFF) in firefighting training and emergency response.

Historical use of Aqueous Film Forming Foam (AFFF), a firefighting agent extensively employed since the 1970s, is the primary source of PFAS at the base.

AFFF was commonly used in fire training exercises and to suppress petroleum-based fires, leading to the release of perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS) and perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) into the soil and groundwater.

The contamination has raised significant health concerns for personnel stationed at the base and residents in the surrounding areas. PFAS, often called “forever chemicals,” are linked to severe health conditions such as kidney and testicular cancer, leukemia, liver damage, and immune system disorders.

Although the base’s drinking water supply, which is drawn from a deep aquifer, has consistently tested non-detect for PFAS, groundwater sampling has revealed contamination at multiple sites.

The U.S. Air Force has implemented several measures to address the contamination.

These include a CERCLA-based environmental response, routine water monitoring, and the use of a modular mobile system to treat approximately 113,550 liters of stored contaminated water, reducing PFAS concentrations to below EPA advisory levels.

Controls have also been put in place to prevent the construction of new drinking water wells on the base and to address vapor intrusion risks in certain buildings.

Despite these efforts, the persistent nature of PFAS makes remediation complex and costly.

The base works closely with the Missouri Department of Natural Resources to manage the contamination and ensure compliance with environmental standards.

However, the long-term health implications for those exposed to high levels of PFAS at Whiteman AFB remain a serious concern, and ongoing investigations continue to assess the scope of the impact.

According to data collected by the Environmental Working Group (EWG), PFAS levels at Whiteman Air Force Base are as follows:

• PFOA (Perfluorooctanoic acid): 60,000 ppt – A widely used PFAS in firefighting foams and industrial applications, linked to kidney and testicular cancer, liver damage, and immune suppression.
• PFOS (Perfluorooctane sulfonate): 29,000 ppt – A long-chain PFAS commonly found in AFFF, associated with thyroid disease, reproductive harm, and developmental issues.
• PFOA and PFOS combined levels: 89,000 ppt – The total concentration of these two chemicals, highlighting the cumulative exposure risk to these harmful and persistent substances.
• PFHxA (Perfluorohexanoic acid): 34,000 ppt – A short-chain PFAS that is less studied but potentially linked to liver damage and developmental toxicity.
• PFNA (Perfluorononanoic acid): 6,500 ppt – A long-chain PFAS used in industrial processes, associated with increased cholesterol and developmental harm.
• PFBS (Perfluorobutane sulfonate): 7,400 ppt – A shorter-chain PFAS considered slightly less toxic than PFOA and PFOS but still linked to thyroid and kidney issues.
• PFPeA (Perfluoropentanoic acid): 7,000 ppt – A breakdown product of other PFAS chemicals, with emerging evidence of toxic effects on organs and hormonal systems.
• 6:2 FTS (6:2 Fluorotelomer sulfonate): 2,400 ppt – A newer PFAS used in modern firefighting foams, showing persistence and potential for bioaccumulation in the environment.

Who May Have Been Exposed to PFAS in Drinking Water at Whiteman AFB?

Individuals who lived, worked, or spent time at Whiteman Air Force Base (AFB) or in nearby communities may have been exposed to PFAS-contaminated drinking water.

This exposure primarily stems from groundwater contamination caused by the use of aqueous film-forming foam (AFFF) for firefighting training and emergency response on the base.

Residents who rely on private wells near the base or use unmonitored water sources may also face elevated risks.

The persistence of PFAS in the environment raises significant concerns for these groups.

Groups of people potentially exposed to PFAS at Whiteman AFB include:

• Military personnel and their families stationed at Whiteman AFB
• Civilian employees and contractors working on the base
• Residents living near the base who rely on private wells or groundwater
• Veterans who were previously stationed at Whiteman AFB
• Children and pregnant women, who are particularly vulnerable to PFAS-related health risks
• Nearby agricultural communities using contaminated water for irrigation or livestock

Whiteman AFB: Among the Hundreds of Military Sites with Dangerous PFAS Contamination

Whiteman Air Force Base (AFB) in Missouri is among numerous U.S. military installations grappling with significant contamination from per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), commonly referred to as “forever chemicals” due to their persistence in the environment and the human body.

The widespread use of AFFF has led to the contamination of soil and groundwater at many military sites, including Whiteman AFB.

Nationwide, the Department of Defense (DoD) has identified over 700 military sites with known or suspected PFAS contamination.

Of these, at least 455 sites have confirmed detections of PFAS in drinking water and groundwater, posing potential health risks to military personnel, their families, and surrounding communities.

Notably, some installations have reported PFAS concentrations in groundwater exceeding 100,000 parts per trillion (ppt), far surpassing the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) health advisory limits.

Despite the recognition of this widespread contamination, remediation efforts have been slow.

On average, six years have elapsed between the initial suspicion of contamination and the commencement of cleanup planning at these sites.

The health implications of PFAS exposure are significant, with links to various cancers, liver damage, immune system suppression, and developmental issues.

The persistence and mobility of these chemicals in the environment complicate remediation efforts, necessitating comprehensive strategies and substantial funding to address the contamination effectively.

What is the EPA Standard for PFAS Levels in Water?

In April 2024, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) established the first national, legally enforceable drinking water standards for six specific per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS).

EPA Issued PFAS Maximum Contaminant Levels (MCLs) are:

• PFOA (Perfluorooctanoic acid): 4 parts per trillion (ppt)
• PFOS (Perfluorooctane sulfonate): 4 ppt
• PFNA (Perfluorononanoic acid): 10 ppt
• PFHxS (Perfluorohexane sulfonate): 10 ppt
• HFPO-DA (commonly known as GenX Chemicals): 10 ppt
• PFBS (Perfluorobutane sulfonate): Regulated through a Hazard Index approach

The Hazard Index is a tool used to evaluate the combined risk of exposure to multiple PFAS when they co-occur in drinking water. It accounts for the additive effects of these chemicals, ensuring that the total exposure does not exceed safe levels.

These regulations aim to protect public health by reducing exposure to these persistent chemicals, which have been linked to various adverse health effects, including certain cancers, liver damage, and immune system impacts.

Public water systems are required to monitor for these PFAS and take necessary actions to comply with the established MCLs.

What are PFAS Chemicals and Why are they Dangerous?

PFAS, or per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, are a group of synthetic chemicals used in various industries due to their resistance to heat, water, and oil.

Often called “forever chemicals,” PFAS do not break down naturally and can remain in the environment and human body for decades.

These chemicals were initially used in products like non-stick cookware, water-resistant clothing, and firefighting foams, particularly in high-risk areas like military bases and airports.

The stability of PFAS means they easily enter and persist in soil, water, and air.

When used in firefighting foams, PFAS can seep into groundwater, contaminating drinking supplies for surrounding communities.

People exposed to PFAS through contaminated water face elevated health risks, including certain cancers, liver damage, thyroid disease, immune system suppression, and reproductive issues.

These health risks come from the ability of PFAS to accumulate in the body over time, compounding their toxic effects.

The dangers of PFAS go beyond personal health; they disrupt entire ecosystems.

Animals exposed to PFAS experience similar health impacts, which can then transfer up the food chain to humans.

This cycle makes PFAS not only an immediate health risk but also an ongoing environmental threat.

Addressing PFAS contamination requires extensive cleanup efforts that are costly and technically challenging.

Health Effects of PFAS Exposure

Exposure to PFAS chemicals in water has been linked to an increased risk of various serious health conditions, even at low levels. PFAS are known to accumulate in the body over time, gradually intensifying their impact on human health.

Research has shown that PFAS can interfere with hormone function, weaken the immune system, and cause long-lasting damage to major organs.

Individuals exposed to PFAS through drinking water may face a greater likelihood of developing cancers and chronic diseases.

Vulnerable groups, such as pregnant women and children, are at particularly high risk of health issues due to PFAS exposure.

Given PFAS’s persistence in the body, even brief exposure can lead to prolonged health effects, posing significant risks to public health.

Potential health effects of PFAS exposure in water include:

• Kidney cancer
• Testicular cancer
• Thyroid disease
• Liver damage
• Immune system suppression
• High cholesterol
• Developmental effects in fetuses and infants
• Reduced vaccine efficacy in children
• Hormonal disruptions
• Reproductive issues

Independent studies have linked exposure to perfluorooctanesulfonic acid (PFOS) and other PFAS to several adverse health effects, including increased cholesterol levels, thyroid disease, liver damage, and certain cancers.

The National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) has detected PFAS in the blood of the vast majority of the U.S. population.

PFAS Litigation: An Overview

PFAS manufacturers and chemical companies are facing lawsuits from individuals and governmental agencies due to the widespread health and environmental impacts of these chemicals.

Plaintiffs in these cases argue that companies failed to warn the public about the dangers of PFAS, despite being aware of their toxicity and persistence.

Lawsuits often seek compensation for medical expenses, environmental cleanup costs, and damages related to property devaluation.

Contaminated drinking water has been a primary focus of PFAS litigation.

DuPont, the first major PFAS manufacturer, settled over 3,000 personal injury claims from residents living near the Washington Works factory in Parkersburg, West Virginia for more than $670 million.

Communities near military bases face similar struggles as those in Parkersburg, West Virginia, as PFAS from firefighting foam continues to contaminate local water sources.

The extensive use of AFFF on military installations has left a lasting impact, with PFAS seeping into groundwater and posing long-term health risks to both service members and nearby residents.

Legal actions are not only aiming to secure compensation for affected individuals but also to drive change in how these chemicals are managed and regulated.

Who are Potential Defendants in PFAS Lawsuits?

Potential defendants in PFAS lawsuits include some of the largest chemical and manufacturing companies that produced, supplied, or used PFAS in consumer products and firefighting foam.

These companies are being sued for the alleged harm their products have caused to public health and the environment, particularly through contamination of drinking water sources.

Plaintiffs argue that these companies knew of PFAS’s toxicity yet continued to manufacture and distribute these chemicals.

Notably, lawsuits are targeting companies involved in the production of AFFF, widely used at military bases and industrial sites.

Key Potential Defendants in PFAS and AFFF Litigation include:

• 3M
• DuPont (and its spinoff, Chemours)
• Tyco Fire Products
• Kidde-Fenwal
• Chemguard
• Dynax Corporation
• Corteva, Inc.
• AGC Chemicals
• Archroma
• BASF Corporation
• Arkema
• Solvay Specialty Polymers
• Daikin America
• Clariant Corporation

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

PFAS contamination in water poses severe health risks, as these chemicals are linked to long-term effects such as thyroid disease, reproductive harm, and certain cancers.

Their persistence in the environment means exposure is not easily eliminated, creating a continuous threat to those relying on contaminated water sources.

Communities near contaminated sites may unknowingly face prolonged exposure, increasing the likelihood of chronic health conditions over time

If you or a loved one have suffered from exposure to PFAS chemicals at or around Whiteman AFB, you may be eligible to file a claim and seek compensation.

Our law firm is investigating health problems related to drinking water contaminated by PFAS pollution at and around the Missouri Air Force Base.

Contact us for a free consultation, or use the chat feature on this page to find out if you’re eligible to file a PFAS Lawsuit instantly.

Gathering Evidence for a PFAS Claim

Building a strong PFAS claim requires gathering detailed and reliable evidence to demonstrate exposure and its impact on health or property.

Essential documentation helps establish the connection between PFAS contamination and harm, strengthening your legal case.

Organizing this evidence effectively is crucial for supporting your claim and increasing the likelihood of a favorable outcome.

Key Evidence for a PFAS Claim:

• Water testing results: Proof of PFAS contamination in your local water supply or private well.
• Medical records: Documentation of health conditions linked to PFAS exposure, such as cancer or thyroid disease.
• Residency or employment records: Evidence showing proximity to contaminated sites or regular use of affected water.
• Environmental reports: Local or state studies identifying PFAS levels and contamination sources.
• Expert testimony: Assessments from environmental scientists or medical professionals connecting exposure to harm.
• Product use history: Evidence of firefighting foam (AFFF) usage or other PFAS-containing products in your area.

TorHoerman Law: Investigating PFAS Lawsuits at Whiteman AFB

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

PFAS affect drinking water quality and can cause serious health problems including cancer, low infant birth weights, and other serious health issues.

Our PFAS Lawyers are currently investigating lawsuits against chemical companies and PFAS manufacturers who knew about the increased risk of health effects but failed to warn the public.

If you’ve suffered from the serious health risks of exposure to PFAS at Whiteman AFB, you may be eligible to file a claim.

Contact our law firm 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 Lawsuit claim instantly.