Alarmingly high levels of PFAS contamination have been detected at Edwards Air Force Base, raising significant concerns about long-term environmental and public health risks.
Published by the Environmental Working Group (EWG), PFAS chemicals were detected at the following levels in Edwards Air Force Base (AFB) groundwater in 2018:
- PFBS: 56,000 ppt
- PFOA: 62,000 ppt
- PFOS: 260,000 ppt
- PFOS + PFOA (combined): 277,000 ppt
These levels far exceed the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) 2024 Maximum Contaminant Level (MCL) for PFOS and PFOA in drinking water, which is set at 4 parts per trillion (ppt).
The contamination is primarily linked to the historical use of firefighting foams containing PFAS compounds on base.
The primary source of contamination is believed to be aqueous film forming foam (AFFF), a type of firefighting foam historically used during military training and emergency response exercises.
AFFF contains polyfluoroalkyl substances, commonly known as forever chemicals, which persist in the environment and have been linked to serious health consequences such as thyroid disease, prostate cancer, and testicular cancer.
Sources of PFAS Exposure at Edwards Air Force Base
The PFAS exposure at Edwards AFB is largely attributed to the frequent use of aqueous film forming foam, especially during firefighting training, fuel spill responses, and aircraft crash simulations.
These toxic substances seeped into the soil and groundwater, eventually contaminating on-base drinking water and potentially reaching private drinking water wells in nearby surrounding communities.
Maintenance operations, waste disposal, and runoff from contaminated sites may have contributed to the spread of PFAS compounds.
The base’s long history of military operations, including its use as a military testing site since World War II, has made it one of many contaminated military sites now facing federal scrutiny under the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act (CERCLA) and other environmental laws aimed at addressing PFAS contamination.
Who May Be Exposed to PFAS at Edwards Air Force Base
Potentially exposed groups include military service members, civilian workers, military veterans, and families who lived or worked on base during periods of heavy PFAS use.
Individuals who relied on drinking water contaminated with PFAS-laced firefighting foam are at an increased risk of developing serious health problems, including liver cancer, breast cancer, thyroid disease, and developmental delays.
Off-base surrounding communities may also be impacted due to groundwater contamination and the movement of PFAS through the water supply.
The EPA, along with the Department of Defense, has confirmed PFAS presence at numerous military bases, including Edwards AFB, making health monitoring, PFAS blood testing, and long-term cleanup efforts vital for protecting public health and environmental safety.
