Hurlburt Field has been identified as a site of significant PFAS contamination, raising major environmental and public health concerns for military personnel, civilian workers, and surrounding communities.
The base’s history of using PFAS-containing firefighting foam in training exercises and emergency response contributed to extensive groundwater pollution that persists today.
Published by the Environmental Working Group (EWG), PFAS chemicals were detected in groundwater at Hurlburt Field in 2018 at the following levels:
- 6:2 FTS: 185,000 ppt
- PFOS + PFOA (combined): 109,830 ppt
- PFOS: 108,000 ppt
- PFHxS: 65,400 ppt
- PFHxA: 32,400 ppt
- PFOA: 16,000 ppt
- PFBS: 9,250 ppt
- 8:2 FTS: 7,040 ppt
- PFHpA: 6,480 ppt
- PFNA: 378 ppt
- PFDA: 237 ppt
- PFUnA: 28 ppt
- NEtFOSAA, NMeFOSAA, PFDoA, PFTeDA, PFTrDA: All reported as 0.0 ppt
These significant PFAS levels exceed the EPA’s 2024 Maximum Contaminant Levels for PFAS in drinking water (4 ppt for PFOA and PFOS), indicating dangerous levels of contamination linked to historical AFFF use.
If you’ve been exposed to potential PFAS contamination at Hurlburt Field, you may be eligible to file a claim.
Sources of PFAS Exposure at Hurlburt Field
The most prominent source of PFAS pollution at Hurlburt Field is the historical use of aqueous film forming foam (AFFF) during military training exercises and emergency firefighting scenarios involving jet fuel fires.
These PFAS-containing products were used for decades and are known to seep into soil and contaminate groundwater after repeated application.
Additionally, maintenance activities, equipment washing stations, and improper disposal of hazardous substances likely contributed to the widespread groundwater contamination.
Once in the water system, PFAS chemicals can migrate off base, exposing civilians through contaminated drinking water.
Despite growing awareness, many military installations have yet to fully address PFAS contamination, leaving vulnerable populations at risk.
Who May Be Exposed to PFAS at Hurlburt Field?
People most likely to have been exposed to PFAS at Hurlburt Field include military service members, Air Force personnel, civilian workers, and contractors who spent extended time on base and potentially consumed on-base drinking water.
Families living in surrounding communities—particularly those relying on private drinking water wells—may also face exposure through groundwater contamination that has spread beyond the installation’s boundaries.
Populations at greater health risk include children, pregnant women, and individuals with preexisting health issues, as PFAS exposure has been linked to developmental delays, thyroid disease, and cancer.
Given the extent of detected PFAS levels, those who lived, worked, or spent time near Hurlburt Field during or after known contamination periods should consider pursuing legal action and medical testing to assess their health and explore options for financial compensation.
