Joint Forces Training Base Los Alamitos PFAS Lawsuit [2025 Update]

Dangerous Levels of PFAS Contamination Found at Joint Forces Training Base Los Alamitos

Recent testing has revealed alarming levels of PFAS contamination at Joint Forces Training Base Los Alamitos (JFTB Los Alamitos), including the surrounding drinking water and groundwater.

PFAS chemicals, commonly referred to as “forever chemicals,” have been detected at concentrations that far exceed safe drinking water levels set by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).

Multiple sources have published information about PFAS contamination at JFTB.

The Environmental Working Group published PFAS levels at the base measured in 2018, which are below.

However, a March 2024 presentation from the Society of American Military Engineers (SAME) titled “Status of PFAS Regulatory Actions in California and the Santa Ana Region” stated that PFAS levels found at Los Alamitos JFTB were far higher than previously stated.

According to SAME, PFOA levels were measured at 166,000 ppt – more than 41,000 times higher than the EPA limit.

PFOS levels were 16,800 ppt – more than 4,000 times higher than the EPA limit.

Sampling conducted between 2017 and 2018 revealed a total PFAS concentration of 933.5 parts per trillion (ppt), significantly exceeding current EPA health advisory limits for several individual compounds.

According to the Environmental Working Group, PFAS Levels at JFTB Los Alamitos were measured in 2018 at:

• Perfluorooctanesulfonic acid (PFOS): 282.0 ppt
• Perfluorohexanoic acid (PFHxA): 151.0 ppt
• Perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA): 118.0 ppt
• Perfluorobutane sulfonic acid (PFBS): 69.7 ppt
• Perfluoropentanoic acid (PFPeA): 88.9 ppt
• Perfluorotridecanoic acid (PFTA): 61.7 ppt

PFOS and PFOA, both targeted by the EPA’s National Primary Drinking Water Regulation (NPDWR), were detected at levels over 40 and 23 times higher than the EPA’s proposed Maximum Contaminant Levels (MCLs) of 4 ppt, respectively.

Sources of PFAS at Joint Forces Training Base Los Alamitos

PFAS contamination at Joint Forces Training Base Los Alamitos is primarily attributed to the use of firefighting foam, industrial cleaning agents, and other military-related activities.

These chemicals were used extensively in firefighting systems, particularly for training exercises involving aircraft and vehicles at the base.

In addition to firefighting foam, PFAS were present in various consumer products and industrial products used by the military, including food packaging, water-resistant fabrics, and certain types of equipment maintenance.

The widespread use of PFAS across these military operations has led to the current contamination of drinking water supplies and groundwater.

Impacted Populations at Joint Forces Training Base Los Alamitos

PFAS found at Joint Forces Training Base Los Alamitos poses significant health risks to multiple groups under the base’s operational control.

This includes Naval Reserve personnel, Active Duty service members, and California National Guard units who live or work on-site.

Many of these individuals have likely been exposed through contaminated drinking water or facility use prior to the public release of PFAS testing results.

Civilian employees and contractors who support daily operations may also face risks from repeated exposure during routine base activities.

Nearby residents—particularly those relying on groundwater or living adjacent to training zones—remain vulnerable, with limited access to information or protective measures.

Groups potentially affected by PFAS contamination:

• Active Duty military stationed at the base under operational control
• California National Guard units conducting training or support missions
• Naval Reserve personnel rotating through the installation
• Civilian employees and contractors working in contaminated areas
• Surrounding communities potentially impacted by PFAS found in local water sources

Current Status of PFAS Remediation at JFTB Los Alamitos

The Department of Defense (DoD) has completed preliminary assessments and site investigations (PA/SI) at JFTB Los Alamitos.

The base is undergoing a Remedial Investigation (RI) to further characterize the extent of PFAS contamination and assess potential risks to human health and the environment.

In February 2024, the DoD announced additional interim PFAS cleanup actions at over 30 installations and National Guard facilities, including JFTB Los Alamitos.

These interim actions are part of a broader effort to address PFAS contamination across military sites.

Despite these efforts, concerns remain about the pace and transparency of the cleanup process.

Local reports indicate that, while the Army asserts the contamination is under control, there is limited information available to the public regarding specific remediation measures implemented at the base.

The California State Water Resources Control Board has identified JFTB Los Alamitos as one of the military facilities with known or suspected PFAS releases.

The state is collaborating with federal agencies to monitor and address PFAS contamination, though the cleanup process is expected to be a multi-year endeavor.

JFTB Los Alamitos is One of Countless Military Installations Contaminated with PFAS

The contamination at Joint Forces Training Base Los Alamitos is part of a nationwide pattern of PFAS pollution tied to Department of Defense activities dating back decades.

Across the United States, hundreds of military bases have reported dangerous levels of PFAS in soil and groundwater, primarily from the use of aqueous film-forming foam (AFFF) during firefighting drills and emergencies.

Despite growing scientific consensus on the health risks associated with PFAS exposure, the military has moved slowly in executing large-scale remediation.

Congressional reports and watchdog groups have repeatedly called out the Department of Defense for delayed transparency and failure to adequately protect service members and nearby communities.

JFTB Los Alamitos is not an outlier—it represents the systemic nature of PFAS contamination throughout the U.S. military’s infrastructure and its unresolved environmental legacy.

What Are PFAS Chemicals and What Makes Them Dangerous?

PFAS, or per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, are a group of human-made chemicals used in various industrial and consumer products due to their water- and grease-resistant properties.

They are commonly found in firefighting foam, nonstick cookware, water-resistant clothing, and certain food packaging.

What makes PFAS chemicals particularly dangerous is their persistence in both the environment and the human body—these substances are often referred to as “forever chemicals” because they do not naturally degrade over time.

As a result, once they enter the environment, they accumulate in water, soil, and wildlife, leading to long-term exposure risks for humans and ecosystems.

Why Are PFAS Chemicals Dangerous?

PFAS chemicals are dangerous because of their persistent nature and their ability to bioaccumulate in both the environment and living organisms, including humans.

These chemicals can enter the human body through contaminated drinking water, food, air, or skin contact, and they remain in the body for years, potentially causing a wide range of health problems.

Over time, PFAS exposure can disrupt biological systems, including hormone regulation and immune function, making individuals more susceptible to diseases.

The danger is compounded by the fact that PFAS exposure is widespread, as they are commonly used in many products across various industries, including military, manufacturing, and food packaging.

Health Risks Associated with PFAS Contamination

Exposure to PFAS chemicals has been linked to a range of serious health risks.

Research has shown that even low levels of PFAS can interfere with hormone function, immune response, and cellular repair.

Several compounds, including PFOA and PFOS, are classified as likely human carcinogens by the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) and other public health authorities.

Communities near military sites like JFTB Los Alamitos face elevated risks due to long-term, unmitigated exposure.

Health conditions and cancers associated with PFAS exposure:

• Kidney cancer
• Testicular cancer
• Liver damage and liver cancer
• Thyroid disease and thyroid cancer
• Ulcerative colitis
• Immune system suppression
• High cholesterol
• Hormonal disruption and reproductive harm
• Pregnancy-induced hypertension and preeclampsia
• Developmental delays in children

Environmental Impact of PFAS

The environmental impact of PFAS contamination is far-reaching and long-lasting.

These chemicals do not break down naturally in the environment, meaning they persist in water, soil, and sediments for years.

As PFAS contaminate water systems, they not only affect the drinking water supply but also pose risks to aquatic ecosystems and wildlife.

Animals and plants can absorb these chemicals, and over time, they accumulate up the food chain.

PFAS pollution also threatens agriculture, as crops irrigated with contaminated water may absorb these harmful substances.

The pervasive nature of PFAS contamination poses significant challenges to environmental cleanup efforts and requires innovative strategies to remove these chemicals from water systems and restore ecosystems.

Do You Qualify For the Joint Forces Training Base Los Alamitos PFAS Lawsuit?

If you have lived, worked, or trained at the Joint Forces Training Base Los Alamitos (JFTB Los Alamitos) and were exposed to PFAS contamination, you may qualify for the PFAS lawsuit.

This includes individuals who have been stationed at the base or in the surrounding areas, as well as civilian employees and local communities who may have been exposed to contaminated drinking water or groundwater.

To qualify, it’s crucial that your exposure to PFAS chemicals, such as those found in firefighting foam or industrial products used on the base, has led to health issues or other negative impacts.

If you have suffered health conditions related to PFAS exposure, such as cancer, thyroid disease, or immune system problems, you may have grounds for a claim.

Contact TorHoerman Law to determine if you qualify and explore your legal options for compensation.

Gathering Evidence for a PFAS Claim

Building a strong PFAS claim requires gathering detailed evidence to prove your exposure and the resulting harm.

Legal teams must connect your exposure to a known contamination site, document the presence of PFAS in your environment or body, and demonstrate the impact on your health.

In many cancer cases, this involves analyzing historical water quality data, military or industrial records, and medical documentation.

The more precise and site-specific the evidence, the stronger the claim for damages, particularly in cases involving high-risk contamination sites like JFTB Los Alamitos.

Evidence in a PFAS claim may include:

• Residential or employment history near a known PFAS-contaminated site
• PFAS blood testing showing elevated levels of specific compounds
• Medical records linking diagnosis to PFAS-associated health conditions
• Water testing data showing PFAS levels in local supplies or private wells
• Department of Defense or EPA records confirming PFAS use and contamination
• Expert testimony from environmental scientists or medical professionals
• Community health studies showing elevated disease rates near contamination zones

TorHoerman Law: Investigating PFAS Lawsuits at Joint Forces Training Base Los Alamitos

At TorHoerman Law, we are dedicated to helping individuals affected by PFAS contamination at Joint Forces Training Base Los Alamitos, and other military installations, seek justice and compensation for the harm they have suffered.

Our experienced legal team is actively investigating claims related to PFAS exposure, focusing on the risks posed by and harmful effects of contaminated drinking water and groundwater at the base and surrounding areas.

We understand the severe impact PFAS contamination can have on your health and well-being, and we are committed to holding those responsible accountable.

If you or a loved one have experienced health issues due to PFAS exposure at Joint Forces Training Base Los Alamitos, we are here to guide you through the legal process, gather the necessary evidence, and fight for the compensation you deserve.

Contact us today for a free consultation to discuss your case.

You can also use the chatbot on this page to see if you qualify immediately.