Maine Army National Guard Bangor Training Site PFAS Lawsuit [2025 Update]

Dangerous Levels of PFAS Contamination Detected at Bangor Training Site

Testing has revealed dangerously high concentrations of PFAS contamination at the Maine Army National Guard Bangor Training Site, raising serious public health concerns.

PFAS levels detected at the Maine Army National Guard Bangor Training Site:

• PFOA (Drinking Water, On-base, 2017–): 25 ppt
• PFBS (Groundwater, On-base, 2022): 6.3 ppt
• PFHxS (Groundwater, On-base, 2022): 89 ppt
• PFNA (Groundwater, On-base, 2022): 95 ppt
• PFOA (Groundwater, On-base, 2022): 3,210 ppt
• PFOS (Groundwater, On-base, 2022): 58 ppt

These findings point to long-term environmental contamination that could pose a threat to the health of service members, civilian personnel, and surrounding communities.

Sources of PFAS at Bangor Training Site

The primary source of PFAS contamination at the Bangor Training Site is the historical use of aqueous film forming foam (AFFF), a firefighting foam widely used by military installations for training exercises and emergency responses.

AFFF contains high concentrations of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), which are synthetic chemicals known for their persistence in the environment.

Over time, repeated use of AFFF likely led to PFAS leaching into the soil and groundwater.

Additional contributions may have come from equipment maintenance, improper disposal practices, and runoff from areas where PFAS-based products were used or stored.

These toxic substances remain in the ecosystem for decades, continuously contaminating water sources and increasing the risk of human exposure.

Impacted Populations at Bangor Training Site

Those most at risk from PFAS exposure at the Bangor Training Site include current and former service members, military personnel, and civilian workers who lived or worked on base during or after the use of PFAS-based firefighting foam.

Individuals residing near the installation who rely on groundwater or public water systems may also face significant exposure risks.

Vulnerable populations such as pregnant women, infants, and those with preexisting health conditions may experience more severe health effects due to long-term PFAS accumulation in the body.

The presence of PFAS in both drinking water and groundwater highlights the need for ongoing health monitoring and medical care for potentially affected individuals.

Addressing PFAS Contamination at Bangor Training Site

Addressing the PFAS contamination at the Bangor Training Site requires a coordinated response involving the Department of Defense, the Environmental Protection Agency, and local officials.

Remediation efforts should include expanded PFAS testing, installation of advanced filtration systems for affected water supplies, and clear communication with the public about potential health risks.

Long-term strategies must also incorporate medical monitoring, inclusion in disease registries, and funding for treatment of PFAS-related illnesses.

With growing awareness of the dangers associated with these hazardous substances, more aggressive cleanup and health protection measures are critical to ensure safe water for military personnel and surrounding communities.

Broader Implications of PFAS Contamination at Bangor Training Site

The contamination at the Bangor Training Site reflects a nationwide PFAS problem linked to military installations across the U.S., where the historical use of firefighting foams has left behind toxic legacies.

These cases illustrate the systemic failure to regulate harmful synthetic chemicals despite mounting scientific evidence of their health risks.

The situation at Bangor emphasizes the urgent need for federal action, comprehensive cleanup funding, and stricter environmental safeguards.

As PFAS litigation and investigations continue to expand, the case also underscores the importance of holding polluters accountable while advancing research and public health protections to prevent future harm.

What Are PFAS Chemicals and What Makes Them Dangerous?

Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are a group of synthetic chemicals used since the 1940s in a wide range of industrial applications and consumer products due to their resistance to heat, water, and oil.

Commonly found in items like non-stick cookware, food packaging, and water-repellent fabrics, PFAS are also a major component of aqueous film forming foam (AFFF) used on military bases like the Bangor Training Site.

These chemicals are nicknamed “forever chemicals” because they do not break down in the environment or the human body, accumulating over time and persisting for decades.

Their stability makes them useful in industry — but also extremely hazardous to public health and the environment.

Why Are PFAS Chemicals Dangerous?

PFAS chemicals are dangerous because of their ability to accumulate in the human body and their extreme resistance to natural degradation.

Once ingested through contaminated drinking water, food, or air, PFAS compounds bind to proteins and build up in organs like the liver, kidneys, and thyroid.

Traditional water filtration methods are largely ineffective at removing them, and continued exposure — even at low levels — can lead to serious and irreversible health effects.

The combination of bioaccumulation and environmental persistence means that PFAS contamination can remain a threat to communities for generations without intervention.

Health Risks Associated with PFAS Exposure

Exposure to PFAS has been linked to a variety of severe health problems, especially in populations living or working near contaminated sites like the Bangor Training Site.

Documented risks include thyroid disease, kidney and testicular cancers, immune system suppression, decreased fertility, developmental issues in infants, and elevated cholesterol levels.

Even small amounts of PFAS, when consumed over long periods, can cause adverse health outcomes.

Because these compounds accumulate in the body over time, individuals with prolonged or repeated exposure face a heightened risk of developing chronic illnesses and may require clinical follow-up and medical monitoring.

Environmental Impact of PFAS

PFAS contamination poses a serious and long-lasting threat to the environment.

Once released into the ecosystem through firefighting foams or industrial waste, these chemicals can migrate through groundwater, infiltrate soil, and contaminate lakes, rivers, and public water systems.

Wildlife exposed to PFAS may suffer reproductive harm, organ damage, and population decline.

Contamination is especially problematic near military installations like the Bangor Training Site, where extensive use of AFFF has led to persistent pollution in surrounding communities.

The inability of PFAS to break down naturally means that once they enter an ecosystem, they continue to pose a threat for decades without intervention.

The Need for Urgent Action

The widespread detection of PFAS at military bases and in public water systems nationwide highlights an urgent public health crisis.

At the Bangor Training Site, dangerously elevated PFAS levels in groundwater and drinking water demand swift and transparent action from the Department of Defense, Environmental Protection Agency, and local authorities.

Immediate steps must include expanded testing, full disclosure of contamination risks, long-term health monitoring, and investment in effective cleanup technologies.

Without decisive action, PFAS contamination will continue to endanger the health of military personnel, their families, and surrounding communities for generations to come.

Do You Qualify For the Maine Army National Guard Bangor Training Site PFAS Lawsuit?

You may qualify for the Maine Army National Guard Bangor Training Site PFAS lawsuit if you lived, worked, or served at or near the installation and were exposed to contaminated drinking water or groundwater.

Individuals who later developed health conditions potentially linked to PFAS exposure — such as kidney cancer, thyroid disease, immune system disorders, or other serious health problems — may be eligible to file a legal claim.

Those who relied on private wells or public water systems near the site, particularly before PFAS contamination was publicly disclosed, could also be at risk.

Because PFAS exposure claims are evaluated on a case-by-case basis, consulting an attorney experienced in environmental and toxic exposure litigation is essential to determine your eligibility for compensation or medical monitoring.

Gathering Evidence for PFAS Lawsuits

Building a strong PFAS lawsuit begins with gathering thorough and well-documented evidence that demonstrates your exposure and resulting health issues.

Key forms of evidence include proof of residence, employment, or military service at or near the Bangor Training Site during periods of known contamination, along with medical records showing diagnoses of PFAS-related illnesses.

Additional documentation such as PFAS testing results from local water systems, EPA and Environmental Working Group (EWG) reports, and site-specific contamination data can further support your claim.

An experienced PFAS attorney can help collect environmental studies, toxic release inventories, and expert testimony to link your exposure to measurable harm.

Early and comprehensive evidence collection strengthens your ability to seek compensation and justice.

TorHoerman Law: Investigating PFAS Lawsuits at Bangor Training Site

TorHoerman Law is actively investigating potential legal claims related to PFAS contamination at the Maine Army National Guard Bangor Training Site, where dangerously high levels of toxic “forever chemicals” have been detected in groundwater and on-base drinking water.

Our legal team is reviewing cases involving military service members, civilian personnel, and nearby residents who may have been exposed to per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) through contaminated water sources and later developed serious health conditions such as kidney cancer, thyroid disease, or immune system dysfunction.

With extensive experience in environmental and toxic exposure litigation, our firm works closely with scientific experts and medical professionals to build strong, evidence-backed claims.

We are committed to holding the responsible parties accountable for decades of hazardous chemical use and helping victims pursue compensation for medical expenses, long-term care, and other damages.

If you believe your health has been affected by PFAS exposure at the Bangor Training Site, contact TorHoerman Law for a free consultation or use the chatbot on this page to determine your eligibility for a PFAS lawsuit.