Scott Air Force Base PFAS Lawsuit [December 2024 Update]

PFAS Chemicals at Dangerous Levels in Scott AFB Groundwater

Certain PFAS have been found at detectable levels in the groundwater at Scott Air Force Base in St. Clair County, Illinois, raising serious concerns for the health and safety of those in the surrounding communities.

Scott Air Force Base (AFB) has historically utilized Aqueous Film Forming Foam (AFFF) for firefighting purposes.

AFFF, containing per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), has been employed since the 1970s to effectively extinguish petroleum-based fires, such as those involving aircraft.

The use of AFFF at Scott Air Force Base has resulted in PFAS seeping into the ground during firefighting training exercises and actual fire emergencies.

Firefighting foam was commonly sprayed from hoses during training drills and deployed through automated systems in aircraft hangars, where it coated large areas to suppress fuel fires.

Over time, these chemicals have migrated through the soil, reaching the base’s groundwater and potentially contaminating drinking water sources both on and off the base.

Because PFAS are highly persistent and do not easily break down, they remain in the water supply for extended periods, raising significant concerns and health risks for those relying on nearby wells or water systems.

The widespread contamination underscores the risks posed by decades of PFAS use, with health implications for anyone exposed to the polluted water.

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

• PFBS: 14,000 PPT
• PFOA: 62,000 PPT
• PFOS: 81,000 PPT
• PFOS+PFOA: 104,000

In April 2024, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has established the first-ever national, legally enforceable drinking water standards for six PFAS chemicals.

The limits for the specific chemicals found at Scott AFB (PFOA and PFOS) are at a mere 4 parts per trillion (ppt).

As mentioned above, PFOS levels at Scott Air Force Base are 20,250 times higher than the new rule implemented by the EPA, while PFOA levels are 15,500 times higher.

The combined PFOS and PFOA levels at Scott AFB are 26,000 times above the EPA’s threshold, underscoring the severity of PFAS contamination at the site.

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

Individuals exposed to PFAS in drinking water at Scott AFB include those living on or near the base who rely on local water supplies.

Military personnel and their families stationed at Scott AFB may have been exposed, as well as civilian employees and contractors who worked on base.

Residents in nearby communities with private wells are at risk, especially in areas where PFAS levels have exceeded EPA health advisories.

The following groups may suffer from PFAS exposure resulting from AFFF at Scott AFB:

• Military personnel and their families stationed at Scott AFB
• Civilian employees and contractors working on base
• Nearby residents using private wells
• Individuals relying on groundwater sources in affected areas around Scott AFB

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

Testing has detected PFAS chemicals in public drinking water systems and private wells near Scott Air Force Base (AFB).

In 2020, the Air Force began sampling off-base wells to assess potential contamination from PFAS, particularly perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS) and perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA).

At least one off-base residential well was found to have PFAS levels exceeding the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) lifetime health advisory of 70 parts per trillion (ppt).

In response, the Air Force provided alternative drinking water sources to affected residents and initiated further investigations to determine the extent of contamination.

The presence of PFAS in nearby private wells raises concerns about potential exposure for residents in the surrounding communities.

Ongoing monitoring and remediation efforts are essential to ensure the safety of drinking water sources near Scott AFB.

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

Scott Air Force Base (AFB) in Illinois is among numerous U.S. military installations grappling with significant PFAS contamination.

The Department of Defense has identified over 700 military sites with known or suspected releases of these toxic chemicals, primarily from the extensive use of firefighting foams.

At Scott AFB, testing has revealed PFAS levels in groundwater that far exceed the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) health advisory limits, raising concerns for both military personnel and nearby residents.

The health implications of PFAS exposure suffered by military service members are severe, with links to cancers, thyroid disease, liver damage, and immune system suppression.

Communities surrounding military bases, including Scott AFB, have reported contaminated drinking water supplies, leading to increased health risks and prompting legal actions against manufacturers and the military.

Cleanup efforts are underway at many sites, but the persistence of PFAS in the environment makes remediation challenging and costly.

The ongoing contamination at military bases like Scott AFB underscores the urgent need for comprehensive strategies to address PFAS pollution and protect public health.

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, indicating widespread exposure.

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 Scott 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 Scott 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 Scott AFB

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