Alarming levels of PFAS contamination have been documented at Ebbing Air National Guard Base, which shares grounds with Fort Smith Municipal Airport.
Published by the Environmental Working Group (EWG), PFAS chemicals were detected at the following levels in groundwater at Ebbing Air National Guard Base (co-located with Fort Smith Municipal Airport) in 2018:
- PFBS: 47,000 ppt
- PFHpA: 55,000 ppt
- PFHxS: 340,000 ppt
- PFNA: 7,800 ppt
- PFOA: 360,000 ppt
- PFOS: 52,000 ppt
- PFOS + PFOA (combined): 412,000 ppt
These concentrations significantly exceed the Environmental Protection Agency’s 2024 Maximum Contaminant Levels (MCLs) of 4 ppt for both PFOA and PFOS in drinking water, indicating serious environmental and public health concerns related to past use of firefighting foams and other PFAS-containing materials.
The findings underscore the urgent need for cleanup efforts and accountability at this and other contaminated military installations.
Sources of PFAS Exposure at Ebbing Air National Guard Base
The primary source of PFAS contamination at Ebbing Air National Guard Base is the extensive historical use of aqueous film forming foam (AFFF), a highly toxic firefighting foam used to suppress jet fuel and chemical fires.
Routine training exercises, emergency responses, and fire suppression activities have allowed PFAS chemicals from AFFF to leach into the soil and infiltrate local drinking water supplies and groundwater systems.
Additional sources of PFAS exposure may include runoff from contaminated soil, discharge of PFAS-containing products, and improper disposal practices.
These man-made chemicals, including PFOS, PFOA, PFHxS, and others, persist in the environment and do not degrade naturally, making them a long-term threat to public health and water quality both on and off base.
Who May Be Exposed to PFAS at Ebbing Air National Guard Base
Individuals at risk of PFAS exposure at Ebbing Air National Guard Base include military personnel, civilian workers, contractors, and residents of surrounding communities who may have relied on contaminated drinking water.
Those living near the base, especially households using private drinking water wells, face an increased risk of ingesting or being exposed to PFAS-contaminated water.
Given the confirmed PFAS contamination in groundwater and the widespread use of PFAS-containing products, exposure may have occurred through drinking water, cooking, and even dermal contact.
The health risks tied to long-term PFAS exposure are significant and include thyroid disease, certain cancers, and immune system dysfunction, emphasizing the need for swift action to address PFAS pollution and protect public health.
