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Chanute Air Force Base PFAS Lawsuit [2025 Update]

Chanute AFB PFAS Contamination: Overview

The Chanute Air Force Base PFAS Lawsuit investigation concerns forever chemicals in drinking water and groundwater in and around the decommissioned Illinois air force base.

TorHoerman Law is currently investigating a potential Chanute Air Force Base PFAS Lawsuit.

On this page, we’ll discuss the Chanute Air Force Base PFAS Lawsuit investigation, the levels of PFAS chemicals in groundwater at Chanute AFB, the dangers of PFAS chemicals in drinking water and groundwater, health risks linked to PFAS exposure, and much more.

Chanute Air Force Base PFAS Lawsuit

PFAS Chemicals Detected at High Levels in Chanute AFB Groundwater

Chanute Air Force Base, located in Rantoul, Illinois, was a prominent U.S. military training installation that operated for nearly 75 years before closing in 1993.

Established in 1917 during World War I, Chanute served as one of the oldest aviation training facilities in the United States, providing technical instruction for aircraft mechanics, weather personnel, and missile systems specialists throughout much of the 20th century.

The base played a key role during World War II and the Cold War, functioning as a hub for both advanced technical training and strategic defense operations.

Following its closure under the Base Realignment and Closure (BRAC) process, Chanute was transferred to civilian control, but legacy pollution from decades of military activity—including widespread use of Aqueous Film Forming Foam (AFFF)—left behind significant environmental concerns.

AFFF, commonly used in firefighting training exercises on base, contains per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), which are now known to persist in the environment and accumulate in groundwater.

Investigations by the U.S. Air Force and the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency have confirmed the presence of PFAS contamination in soil and groundwater at and around the former base.

This contamination poses potential risks to human health and the environment, and Chanute remains under long-term environmental monitoring and cleanup efforts as part of a broader national response to PFAS pollution at former military installations.

If you or a loved one were exposed to PFAS chemicals at Chanute AFB and subsequently developed cancer or other serious health problems, you may be eligible to file a claim.

Contact TorHoerman Law for a free consultation.

Use the chat feature on this page to find out if you qualify for a Chanute AFB PFAS claim instantly.

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Dangerous PFAS Levels Detected at the Former Chanute Air Force Base

PFAS chemicals, widely known as “forever chemicals” due to their persistent nature in the environment and human body, have been detected at alarming levels in the groundwater at the former Chanute Air Force Base.

Published by the Environmental Working Group (EWG), PFAS chemicals were detected at the following levels in Chanute AFB groundwater in 2018:

  • PFOS: 496,000 ppt
  • PFOA: 148,000 ppt
  • PFOA + PFOS: 644,000 ppt
  • PFHxS (Perfluorohexanesulfonic Acid): 806,000 ppt
  • PFBS (Perfluorobutanesulfonic Acid): 80,700 ppt
  • PFHpA (Perfluoroheptanoic Acid): 35,100 ppt
  • PFHxA (Perfluorohexanoic Acid): 7,300 ppt
  • PFNA (Perfluorononanoic Acid): 3,250 ppt
  • NEtFOSAA (N-Ethyl perfluorooctanesulfonamidoacetic acid): 320 ppt
  • NMeFOSAA (N-Methyl perfluorooctanesulfonamidoacetic acid): 320 ppt
  • PFDA (Perfluorodecanoic Acid): 130 ppt
  • PFDoA (Perfluorododecanoic Acid): 130 ppt
  • PFTrDA (Perfluorotridecanoic Acid): 130 ppt
  • PFUnA (Perfluoroundecanoic Acid): 130 ppt

These concentrations far exceed the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) recommended limits for PFAS levels in drinking water, which are set at 4 parts per trillion (ppt).

The dangerously high levels of these toxic chemicals in the groundwater at the former Chanute AFB raise serious concerns about the long-term health risks to individuals who were exposed to contaminated water at or near the base.

Sources of PFAS Exposure at Chanute AFB

PFAS exposure at Chanute AFB primarily originates from the historical use of Aqueous Film-Forming Foam (AFFF), which is used in firefighting activities, particularly for jet fuel fires and training exercises.

AFFF has contaminated both groundwater and surrounding water sources at the site.

The presence of these per and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) has posed a significant environmental and health risk to those who lived and worked at the base, as well as residents in nearby areas who relied on private drinking water wells and public water systems.

Hazardous substances from military operations, including other industrial chemicals, may have contributed to PFAS contamination in soil and surface water on and around the base.

Who May Be Exposed to PFAS at Chanute AFB

Individuals who may have been exposed to PFAS at Chanute Air Force Base include military personnel stationed at the base, as well as civilian workers employed there during its operational years.

Residents of nearby communities who relied on private drinking water wells or local public water systems may have also been at risk.

Exposures could have occurred through contaminated drinking water, as well as through airborne exposure during firefighting training or proximity to jet fuel fires.

People who lived on or near the base during its operation, particularly before PFAS contamination was fully recognized, may have been exposed to high concentrations of these toxic chemicals.

Family members of military service members and other individuals who frequented the base, such as contractors and visitors, could have been indirectly exposed to the dangerous levels of PFAS chemicals present at Chanute AFB, potentially leading to a range of health problems.

Do You Qualify for the Chanute Air Force Base PFAS Lawsuit?

If you were stationed at Chanute Air Force Base, worked there as a civilian, or lived in nearby communities between the 1960s and 1990s, you may have been exposed to PFAS chemicals through contaminated drinking water or other means such as Aqueous Film-Forming Foam (AFFF) used during firefighting training exercises.

Exposure to PFAS may have led to health issues such as thyroid disease, kidney cancer, or immune system disorders, and individuals who have experienced these conditions may qualify to file a lawsuit.

To qualify for a Chanute Air Force Base PFAS lawsuit, you must show that you were exposed to PFAS chemicals at the base and have suffered from adverse health outcomes as a result.

PFAS testing and medical records demonstrating a connection between your illness and PFAS contamination will be essential in proving your case.

Family members of those who lived or worked at the base and later passed away due to PFAS-related illnesses may also be eligible for compensation through a wrongful death claim.

It’s crucial to consult with an experienced PFAS lawyer who can help determine your eligibility and navigate the legal process for seeking justice.

Gathering Evidence for a PFAS Lawsuit

The success of a PFAS lawsuit largely depends on the strength of the evidence you gather.

Key steps in collecting evidence for a Chanute Air Force Base PFAS lawsuit includes:

  • Medical Records: These will be critical to demonstrate the health effects caused by PFAS exposure. Records showing diagnosed health issues like thyroid disease, kidney cancer, or other conditions linked to PFAS chemicals will help establish the connection between your illness and contamination at the base.
  • PFAS Testing Results: If you live in or previously lived near Chanute AFB, testing your drinking water for PFAS contamination can provide critical evidence of the levels of toxic chemicals in your environment. This may include testing of private wells or public water systems in the affected areas.
  • Exposure History: Documenting your time at Chanute Air Force Base—whether as a military service member, civilian worker, or resident—is vital. Providing records, such as military service records, employment records, or other proof of your time spent on or near the base, will help confirm potential exposure to PFAS chemicals.
  • Witness Testimonies: Statements from other individuals who lived or worked at Chanute AFB and experienced similar health issues can help strengthen your case. Witnesses may also provide accounts of firefighting foam use or other activities that could have contributed to PFAS contamination.
  • Government and Agency Records: Documents from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Illinois EPA, or other regulatory bodies confirming PFAS contamination at Chanute Air Force Base can provide authoritative evidence to support your claim. Public records about hazardous substance releases and PFAS levels detected at the base will also be useful.

Gathering and organizing this evidence as soon as possible is crucial to strengthening your case and improving your chances of securing fair compensation.

An experienced PFAS lawyer can assist you in collecting this information, helping you build a strong case for the compensation you deserve.

TorHoerman Law: Investigating the Chanute Air Force Base PFAS Lawsuit

At TorHoerman Law, we are dedicated to helping those who have been affected by PFAS contamination at Chanute Air Force Base.

With decades of combined legal experience, our team is committed to investigating claims of PFAS exposure that have led to serious health issues, such as thyroid disease, kidney cancer, and immune system disorders.

We understand the devastating impact of these forever chemicals, which are often found in Aqueous Film-Forming Foam (AFFF) used at military installations like Chanute AFB.

Our team is actively working to gather evidence, consult with experts, and hold responsible parties accountable for the PFAS contamination that has affected military service members, civilian workers, and local communities.

We will carefully investigate the levels of PFAS in drinking water, groundwater, and soil at Chanute AFB to determine the extent of exposure and the potential health risks associated with these chemicals.

We also examine the use of PFAS-containing products on base and the toxic substances released into the environment through military training exercises and jet fuel fires.

If you or a loved one has suffered from the harmful effects of PFAS exposure at Chanute Air Force Base, our experienced team is here to help.

We offer free case evaluations to determine if you qualify for a PFAS lawsuit and to discuss your options for seeking justice.

Contact us today for a consultation and let TorHoerman Law help you pursue the compensation you deserve for the health problems and adverse health outcomes caused by PFAS contamination at Chanute AFB.

You can also use the chatbot on this page to see if you qualify instantly.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • What are PFAS Chemicals and What are they Used In?

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

    These forever chemicals are commonly used in products like non-stick cookware, firefighting foam(AFFF), waterproof clothing, stain-resistant fabrics, and jet fuel firefighting operations at military bases.

    PFAS chemicals are used in various consumer products and industrial applications due to their ability to repel water, oil, and stains, making them useful in items ranging from consumer goods to military installations.

  • What Health Effects are Linked to PFAS Exposure?

    According to major health authorities including the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry, and more, PFAS exposure has been linked to a range of adverse health effects, including thyroid disease, kidney cancer, immune system suppression, and developmental delays in children.

    Studies also indicate that PFAS contaminated water may increase the risk of other health conditions, including testicular cancer, liver disease, and increased cholesterol levels.

    It’s been proven that certain PFAS disrupt natural biological processes, potentially leading to long-term health problems and increasing the risk of chronic conditions in those who are exposed to PFAS through contaminated drinking water, soil, or air at military bases and surrounding communities.

  • What is the Source of PFAS Contamination at Military Bases?

    The primary source of PFAS contamination at military bases comes from the use of Aqueous Film Forming Foam(AFFF) used for firefighting in training exercises and during emergency situations involving jet fuel fires.

    These PFAS chemicals are released into the environment, resulting in contaminated drinking water, groundwater, contaminated soil, and surface water.

    Military installations like Chanute Air Force Base and others have historically used PFAS-containing products, leading to dangerously high PFAS concentrations in the bodies of both military service members and nearby communities.

    The contamination from hazardous substances like PFAS poses significant health risks and has led to ongoing PFAS testing and investigations by federal agencies, such as the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).

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Tor Hoerman

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