Chanute Air Force Base PFAS Lawsuit [2026 Update]

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.

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.

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.