Fairchild Air Force Base PFAS Lawsuit [2026 Update]

Fairchild Air Force Base (AFB), located near Spokane, Washington, has been identified as a significant site of PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances) contamination.

These synthetic chemicals, often termed “forever chemicals” due to their persistence in the environment, have been primarily introduced through the extensive use of Aqueous Film Forming Foam (AFFF) in firefighting training and emergency response activities at the base.

In 2017, preliminary groundwater sampling revealed that two water wells supplying the nearby city of Airway Heights contained PFOS (perfluorooctanesulfonic acid) and PFOA (perfluorooctanoic acid) concentrations exceeding the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) lifetime Health Advisory levels.

Subsequent investigations have shown that 107 off-base private drinking water wells have been impacted, with 28 properties receiving bottled water provisions, 90 undergoing filtration system installations, and 4 residences connected to municipal water systems.

The contamination has also affected municipal water sources; notably, two municipal wells were found to have PFAS levels above the EPA’s Health Advisory limits, leading to the deactivation of one well.

In response, Fairchild AFB has established an Environmental Services Agreement with the City of Airway Heights to address and mitigate the drinking water impacts resulting from PFAS contamination in the city’s supply wells.

To further delineate the extent of contamination, the base has initiated a groundwater pump and treat system pilot study at site FT004.

Additionally, the Washington State Department of Ecology has conducted sampling in areas surrounding Fairchild AFB.

Findings indicate that while some wells south and west of the base were below drinking water standards for PFAS, areas north of Highway 2 exhibited levels exceeding the standards by more than 20 times.

Community engagement has been a critical component of the response strategy.

The base has established a Restoration Advisory Board (RAB) to facilitate open communication between the Air Force and local residents, providing a platform to discuss ongoing remediation efforts and address public concerns.

The human health implications of PFAS exposure are a significant concern, as these chemicals have been linked to various adverse health effects, including increased risks of cancer, immune system suppression, and thyroid dysfunction.

The persistence and bioaccumulative nature of certain PFAS compounds necessitate comprehensive and sustained remediation efforts to safeguard both environmental and public health.

PFAS testing at Fairchild AFB have revealed the following levels:

• PFOS (Perfluorooctanesulfonic acid): 150,000 parts per trillion (ppt)
• PFOA (Perfluorooctanoic acid): 22,000 ppt
• PFHxS (Perfluorohexanesulfonic acid): 91,000 ppt
• PFBS (Perfluorobutanesulfonic acid): 9,200 ppt
• PFHxA (Perfluorohexanoic acid): 26,000 ppt
• PFHpA (Perfluoroheptanoic acid): 4,300 ppt
• PFNA (Perfluorononanoic acid): 740 ppt
• PFDA (Perfluorodecanoic acid): 140 ppt
• PFUnA (Perfluoroundecanoic acid): 59 ppt
• PFDoA (Perfluorododecanoic acid): 3.7 ppt
• PFTrDA (Perfluorotridecanoic acid): 37 ppt
• 6:2 FTS (6:2 Fluorotelomer sulfonate): 91,000 ppt
• 8:2 FTS (8:2 Fluorotelomer sulfonate): 8,900 ppt
• NEtFOSAA (N-Ethyl perfluorooctanesulfonamidoacetic acid): 82 ppt
• NMeFOSAA (N-Methyl perfluorooctanesulfonamidoacetic acid): 49 ppt

Who May Be Exposed to PFAS Contamination at Fairchild AFB?

The widespread use of fire fighting foams containing toxic substances at Fairchild Air Force Base has led to significant PFAS contamination in the surrounding environment.

Military personnel, their families, and civilians living near the base may have been unknowingly exposed to these chemicals through contaminated drinking water, soil, and air.

Long-term exposure to PFAS is associated with potential health effects, including cancers, immune system suppression, and thyroid disorders.

As investigations continue, individuals who lived, worked, or trained at Fairchild AFB should be aware of their possible exposure risks and seek appropriate health screenings.

Groups Potentially Exposed to PFAS at Fairchild AFB:

• Active-duty military personnel stationed at Fairchild AFB.
• Veterans and retirees who lived, worked, or trained at the base.
• Base residents and families using on-base water sources.
• Civilian employees working in contaminated areas of the base.
• Firefighters and emergency responders who directly handled firefighting foams.
• Nearby residents of Airway Heights and other off-base communities relying on groundwater.
• Children and pregnant women, who may be more vulnerable to potential health effects.
• Contractors and maintenance workers who may have had occupational exposure to toxic substances.
• Individuals relying on private wells near the base, where PFAS contamination has been detected.

Fairchild AFB: Among the Hundreds of Military Installations Grappling with PFAS Contamination

Fairchild Air Force Base is one of more than 700 U.S. military installations where PFAS contamination has been identified, primarily due to the extensive use of firefighting foams.

The Department of Defense (DoD) has acknowledged that military sites across the country have released toxic PFAS chemicals into groundwater and nearby water sources, putting service members, their families, and surrounding communities at risk.

Like many other contaminated bases, Fairchild AFB has recorded extremely high PFOS and PFOA levels, far exceeding the EPA’s new enforceable limits for safe drinking water.

The persistence of PFAS chemicals in the environment has made cleanup efforts complex and costly, requiring ongoing monitoring, filtration systems, and long-term remediation projects.

Despite efforts to contain the contamination, PFAS compounds continue to migrate into off-base water sources, leading to increased concerns for residents in Airway Heights and other nearby areas.

Fairchild AFB is just one example of how military-wide PFAS pollution has created a national public health and environmental crisis that demands immediate and sustained action.

Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are a group of synthetic chemicals that have been widely used since the 1940s in consumer products, industrial applications, and military firefighting foams.

These chemicals are valued for their resistance to heat, water, and grease, making them common in nonstick cookware, stain-resistant fabrics, food packaging, and water-repellent clothing.

However, PFAS are also known as “forever chemicals” because they do not break down easily in the environment or human body, leading to long-term contamination.

Scientific studies have shown that PFAS exposure is linked to serious health risks, including cancer, immune system suppression, liver damage, and reproductive issues.

One of the primary sources of PFAS pollution has been the military’s widespread use of Aqueous Film Forming Foam (AFFF), a firefighting agent designed to suppress fuel fires.

Military bases across the United States, including Fairchild AFB, have documented high levels of PFAS in groundwater, posing risks to service members, base residents, and nearby communities.

The persistence of PFAS in drinking water sources has led to growing concerns, prompting regulatory agencies like the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to set new limits on these chemicals.

As researchers continue to study their full impact, the challenge of removing PFAS from contaminated sites remains a pressing issue for public health and environmental safety.

Health Effects of PFAS Exposure

Exposure to PFAS chemicals has been linked to a range of serious health concerns, particularly due to their ability to accumulate in the body over time.

Studies have shown that long-term exposure to PFAS is associated with increased risks of cancer, immune system dysfunction, and thyroid disorders.

Because these chemicals do not break down easily, individuals who consume contaminated drinking water or are exposed through occupational settings may face long-term health risks.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and other health agencies continue to investigate the full scope of PFAS-related health effects.

Given the widespread contamination at Fairchild AFB and other military installations, those who may have been exposed should be aware of potential health concerns and consider seeking medical evaluations.

Potential Health Effects of PFAS Exposure:

• Increased risk of cancer, particularly kidney, testicular, and liver cancer.
• Weakened immune system, leading to a reduced ability to fight infections.
• Thyroid disorders, affecting metabolism and hormone regulation.
• Reproductive and developmental issues, including reduced fertility and birth defects.
• Liver damage, linked to elevated cholesterol and other metabolic issues.
• High blood pressure during pregnancy, increasing risks for both mother and child.
• Neurological concerns, including cognitive and behavioral issues.
• Hormonal imbalances, disrupting endocrine function and overall well-being.

Exposure to PFAS in water at Fairchild Air Force Base presents serious health risks, as these long-lasting chemicals accumulate in the body over time, increasing the likelihood of cancers, immune system disorders, and liver damage.

The contamination of drinking water near Fairchild AFB means that military personnel, their families, and nearby communities in Airway Heights may have unknowingly been exposed for years, facing potential long-term health consequences.

This ongoing exposure, particularly among vulnerable populations, highlights the urgent need for clean, safe water and comprehensive action to address PFAS contamination at and around Fairchild AFB.

If you or a loved one lived, worked, or trained at Fairchild AFB and may have been exposed to PFAS-contaminated water, it is important to stay informed about testing, health monitoring, and potential legal options.

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

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