Mather Air Force Base PFAS Lawsuit [2026 Guide]

In 2022, groundwater at Mather AFB tested positive for dangerous levels of certain PFAS.

These results found PFAS at levels exceeding established EPA guidelines for clean drinking water.

PFAS contamination found at detectable levels in groundwater at Mather AFB in 2022 (reported by the Environmental Working Group):

• PFBS (Perfluorobutanesulfonic Acid): 34 ppt
• PFHxS (Perfluorohexanesulfonic Acid): 309 ppt
• PFNA (Perfluorononanoic Acid): 1.3 ppt
• PFOA (Perfluorooctanoic Acid): 134 ppt
• PFOS (Perfluorooctane Sulfonic Acid): 111 ppt

These elevated levels of toxic chemicals raise concern for residents relying on public water systems and private drinking water wells in surrounding communities.

Sources of PFAS at Mather Air Force Base

The primary source of PFAS contamination at Mather Air Force Base is the historical use of aqueous film forming foam (AFFF), a firefighting foam widely used on military installations during training exercises and emergency responses.

AFFF contains high concentrations of PFAS chemicals such as PFOA and PFOS, which leach into groundwater and soil during routine application or accidental spills.

Additional contamination may have resulted from improper storage, disposal of firefighting materials, and runoff from aircraft maintenance activities.

As these hazardous substances persist in the environment, they continue to pose serious health and ecological risks for decades after initial exposure.

Impacted Populations at Mather Air Force Base

Those most at risk from PFAS contamination at Mather Air Force Base include military personnel who served at the installation, civilian employees, and residents of nearby neighborhoods who may have been exposed to contaminated drinking water.

Surrounding communities relying on private drinking water wells or public water supplies face increased risk, particularly those living near areas where PFAS levels were highest.

Vulnerable groups, including children, pregnant women, and individuals with preexisting health conditions, may be more likely to suffer serious health consequences such as thyroid disease, testicular cancer, and other PFAS-linked illnesses.

Because PFAS accumulate in the body, even low-level but prolonged exposure may result in significant long-term health effects.

Addressing PFAS Contamination at Mather Air Force Base

Efforts to address PFAS contamination at Mather AFB fall under a larger Department of Defense initiative to investigate and clean up toxic substances at military superfund sites.

The EPA and other agencies have coordinated PFAS testing, environmental assessments, and water sampling as part of the Unregulated Contaminant Monitoring Rule (UCMR).

Advocates and public health experts argue that more comprehensive remediation is needed, including expanding PFAS testing, treating contaminated water systems, and monitoring health outcomes through a national disease registry.

A robust cleanup process is essential to reduce PFAS levels and ensure safe drinking water for nearby communities.

Broader Implications of PFAS Contamination at Mather Air Force Base

The PFAS contamination at Mather Air Force Base is part of a broader national crisis involving toxic exposure at dozens of military bases across the United States.

Mather’s case reflects systemic issues in chemical oversight, the military’s historic reliance on AFFF, and the slow pace of regulatory response.

Scientific studies continue to confirm that PFAS exposure is linked to higher incidence rates of certain cancers, immune system disorders, and other adverse health effects.

The findings at Mather underscore the need for more research, stricter PFAS regulations, and public transparency to protect surrounding communities and ensure environmental accountability.

Without timely intervention, the health risks of PFAS pollution will persist for generations.

Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are a class of synthetic chemicals developed in the mid-20th century for their unique ability to resist heat, oil, water, and stains.

These chemicals have been used extensively in both consumer products and military settings, particularly in aqueous film forming foam (AFFF) for firefighting.

Commonly referred to as “forever chemicals,” PFAS do not break down naturally and can remain in the environment and the human body for decades.

Their resistance to degradation makes them particularly dangerous — once PFAS chemicals enter drinking water supplies, soil, or the bloodstream, they persist, build up over time, and can cause serious health consequences.

Why Are PFAS Chemicals Dangerous?

PFAS chemicals are dangerous due to their bioaccumulative properties and extreme persistence in both the environment and living organisms.

When PFAS contaminate drinking water or soil, they can enter the human body through ingestion, where they bind to proteins in the blood and accumulate in vital organs such as the liver, kidneys, and thyroid.

Standard water treatment systems are often ineffective at removing PFAS, meaning that once they infiltrate public water systems or private drinking water wells, long-term exposure becomes difficult to avoid.

Even low levels of PFAS exposure can lead to an increased risk of serious health effects, especially in communities near contaminated military installations like Mather Air Force Base.

Health Risks Associated with PFAS Exposure

PFAS contamination at Mather Air Force Base has raised urgent concerns about the health risks facing both former personnel and residents of surrounding communities.

Scientific studies and data from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) have linked PFAS exposure to a variety of serious health problems.

These include thyroid disease, testicular cancer, kidney cancer, breast cancer, immune system suppression, elevated cholesterol, and pregnancy complications.

Individuals who lived, worked, or relied on water systems near Mather AFB may face a significantly higher likelihood of developing PFAS-related illnesses, especially if exposed over long periods.

The presence of PFAS in drinking water further elevates this risk, requiring immediate attention and long-term health monitoring.

You may qualify for the Mather Air Force Base PFAS lawsuit if you lived, worked, or served at or near the base and were exposed to PFAS-contaminated drinking water or groundwater.

Individuals who relied on private drinking water wells or public water systems near Mather AFB — especially before PFAS contamination was publicly disclosed — may have unknowingly ingested harmful substances.

If you were later diagnosed with serious health conditions such as thyroid disease, testicular cancer, kidney cancer, or other illnesses linked to PFAS exposure, you may be eligible to file a claim.

Military personnel, civilian employees, and residents of surrounding communities who experienced health problems following exposure to PFAS chemicals from aqueous film forming foam (AFFF) or other toxic substances used during training exercises may have a valid case.

Because each PFAS exposure situation is evaluated on a case-by-case basis, legal consultation is essential.

An attorney can review your medical history, duration of exposure, and connection to the base to determine whether you qualify for financial compensation or medical monitoring under the current litigation.

Gathering Evidence for PFAS Lawsuits

Building a successful PFAS lawsuit begins with strong, well-documented evidence that links your exposure at Mather Air Force Base to measurable health consequences.

Essential documentation includes proof of residence, military service, or employment at or near Mather AFB during key contamination periods.

Medical records showing diagnoses of PFAS-related illnesses — including thyroid disease, cancer, and immune system dysfunction — are critical to support your claim.

Site-specific findings showing detectable levels of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) such as PFOA, PFOS, and PFHxS help establish the environmental risk posed by the base.

An experienced PFAS attorney can assist in gathering scientific studies, toxic release inventory records, and expert opinions that demonstrate the connection between PFAS contamination and your health problems.

Promptly securing this evidence strengthens your position in seeking justice and financial recovery for the harm caused by long-term PFAS exposure.

TorHoerman Law is actively investigating potential PFAS lawsuits involving toxic exposure at Mather Air Force Base, a former military installation in Sacramento County, California.

Groundwater testing at Mather AFB has revealed elevated levels of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), including PFOA and PFOS, far above the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) current health advisory limits.

These “forever chemicals” — commonly found in firefighting foam used during training exercises and emergency response — are known to persist in the environment and the human body, raising serious concerns for human health and environmental safety.

Our legal team is reviewing claims from individuals who may have been exposed to contaminated drinking water at or near Mather AFB and subsequently developed thyroid disease, testicular cancer, kidney cancer, or other illnesses linked to PFAS chemicals.

We understand the long-term consequences of PFAS contamination and are committed to helping military families, civilian workers, and surrounding community members hold the responsible parties accountable.

If you believe you were exposed to hazardous substances at Mather Air Force Base and developed cancer, contact TorHoerman Law for a free consultation.

We’ll help determine your eligibility for compensation and guide you through the legal process with compassion, expertise, and dedication.