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McGuire Air Force Base PFAS Lawsuit [2025 Update]

Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst PFAS Contamination: Overview

The McGuire Air Force Base PFAS Lawsuit investigation concerns forever chemicals in drinking water and groundwater in and around the New Jersey military base.

TorHoerman Law is currently investigating a potential McGuire Air Force Base PFAS Lawsuit.

On this page, we’ll discuss the McGuire Air Force Base PFAS Lawsuit investigation, the levels of PFAS chemicals in groundwater at McGuire Air Force Base, the dangers of PFAS chemicals in drinking water and groundwater, health risks linked to PFAS exposure, and much more.

McGuire Air Force Base PFAS Lawsuit

PFAS Chemicals Detected at High Levels in McGuire Air Force Base Groundwater

Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst, located in central New Jersey, is one of the most strategically significant military installations on the East Coast.

Formed in 2009 through the merger of McGuire Air Force Base, Fort Dix, and Naval Air Engineering Station Lakehurst, the joint base supports air mobility, training operations, and logistics for multiple military branches.

McGuire AFB, the Air Force component of the joint base, has played a critical role in global airlift and refueling missions, hosting units such as the 305th Air Mobility Wing and the 108th Wing of the Air National Guard.

Like many military installations with long operational histories, McGuire has faced serious environmental concerns, particularly due to its extensive historical use of Aqueous Film Forming Foam (AFFF).

This foam, used in firefighting exercises and aircraft crash response, contained per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS)—persistent synthetic chemicals now linked to a range of human health risks.

Over decades of use, aqueous film forming foam seeped into the soil and groundwater, contributing to confirmed PFAS contamination on and around the base.

Environmental investigations have revealed elevated PFAS concentrations in groundwater, raising concerns for base personnel, surrounding communities, and downstream water systems.

Cleanup and remediation efforts are ongoing under the oversight of federal and state environmental agencies.

If you or a loved one were exposed to PFAS contaminated water at Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst (formerly McGuire AFB) and developed cancer or other serious health problems, you may be eligible to file a claim.

Contact TorHoerman Law for a free consultation.

Use the chat feature on this page to find out if you qualify for a PFAS contamination claim instantly.

Table of Contents

Dangerous Levels of PFAS Detected at McGuire Air Force Base: Overview

Widespread PFAS contamination at Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst has raised major concerns about long-term environmental and health risks for military personnel and surrounding communities.

These toxic “forever chemicals” are known to persist in groundwater, drinking water, and the human body, creating exposure risks long after initial contact.

Published by the Environmental Working Group (EWG), PFAS chemicals were detected at the following levels in groundwater at Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst in 2019:

  • PFBS: 7,200 ppt
  • PFNA: 4,700 ppt
  • PFOA: 23,000 ppt
  • PFOS: 260,000 ppt
  • PFOS + PFOA (combined): 264,000 ppt

These concentrations significantly exceed the Environmental Protection Agency’s 2024 Maximum Contaminant Levels (MCLs) of 4 ppt for PFOA and PFOS, indicating serious environmental and public health concerns related to past use of firefighting foams and other PFAS-containing materials.

The findings point to significant PFAS contamination caused by historical military activities and underscore the need for thorough cleanup efforts and legal accountability.

Sources of PFAS Exposure at McGuire Air Force Base

The primary source of PFAS pollution at McGuire Air Force Base is the long-term use of aqueous film forming foam (AFFF) during firefighting training exercises and emergency responses.

This foam, heavily relied on by military installations like McGuire and Cannon Air Force Base, contains high concentrations of PFOS and PFOA, which can leach into soil and contaminate groundwater and drinking water supplies.

Additional sources of PFAS exposure may include improper disposal of PFAS-containing products, chemical runoff from hangars and storage areas, and contamination linked to fuel fire suppression systems.

Because polyfluoroalkyl substances do not break down in the environment, their legacy remains embedded in military sites like McGuire AFB, threatening both public health and surrounding ecosystems.

Who May Be Exposed to PFAS at McGuire Air Force Base

A wide range of individuals may have been exposed to PFAS contaminated water at or near McGuire AFB, including military service members, civilian workers, contractors, and family members living on base.

Those consuming on-base drinking water or using water drawn from private drinking water wells in nearby surrounding communities may have unknowingly ingested hazardous levels of PFAS.

Populations especially vulnerable to PFAS exposure—such as pregnant women, infants, and individuals with preexisting immune system conditions—face an increased risk of developing serious health problems like thyroid disease, kidney cancer, and other conditions linked to toxic chemical exposure.

Given the confirmed levels of PFAS detected, it is critical for affected individuals to understand their potential exposure and seek appropriate medical and legal guidance.

Do You Qualify for the McGuire Air Force Base PFAS Lawsuit?

If you lived, worked, or were stationed at McGuire Air Force Base and were exposed to PFAS contaminated water, you may qualify to file a PFAS lawsuit.

This includes military service members, civilian workers, contractors, and family members who used or consumed contaminated drinking water on or near the base.

Individuals who have developed serious health issues—such as kidney cancer, thyroid disease, or immune system disorders—after PFAS exposure may be eligible for compensation.

The lawsuit centers on documented PFAS contamination tied to the use of aqueous film forming foam (AFFF) and other PFAS-containing products.

Confirmed by both the Environmental Protection Agency and Environmental Working Group, PFAS levels at McGuire AFB significantly exceeded legal safety thresholds, putting human health and local water supplies at risk.

If you were exposed to high levels of PFAS at this or other military installations, you may have a right to pursue justice under state or federal law, including through the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act (CERCLA).

Gathering Evidence for a PFAS Lawsuit

Building a strong claim for the McGuire Air Force Base PFAS lawsuit requires detailed evidence of your exposure and related health problems.

Start by gathering documents that show your connection to the base or nearby areas—this may include military service records, housing information, or employment documents from the time of suspected exposure.

You should also collect medical records that confirm any diagnosis of illnesses associated with PFAS exposure, such as thyroid disease, kidney cancer, or immune system issues.

Environmental documentation, such as PFAS contamination reports from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the Environmental Working Group (EWG), or local health departments, can help confirm elevated PFAS levels in water supplies.

If you used private drinking water wells, water quality testing results showing PFAS concentrations above EPA Maximum Contaminant Levels will be crucial.

An experienced PFAS attorney can help you compile the necessary documentation and coordinate expert testimony to support your lawsuit and help you seek financial compensation for medical costs, pain and suffering, and long-term health consequences.

TorHoerman Law: Investigating the McGuire Air Force Base PFAS Lawsuit

TorHoerman Law is actively investigating claims related to PFAS contamination at McGuire Air Force Base, part of Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst.

Our legal team is focused on helping military service members, civilian workers, and surrounding communities who may have been exposed to PFAS chemicals through contaminated drinking water, groundwater contamination, and PFAS-contaminated water supplies on and near the installation.

The base has been linked to dangerously high levels of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), particularly PFOS and PFOA, largely stemming from the use of aqueous film forming foam (AFFF) during military training exercises and firefighting operations.

With PFAS levels at McGuire AFB far exceeding Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) maximum contaminant levels, serious health risks—including thyroid disease, immune system dysfunction, and kidney cancer—have raised concern among residents and personnel.

TorHoerman Law is leveraging environmental investigations, medical research, and regulatory data from the Environmental Working Group and Department of Defense to support victims in seeking justice.

If you or a loved one were stationed at or lived near McGuire AFB and are facing health issues potentially linked to PFAS exposure, our law firm is here to help you pursue compensation and hold responsible parties accountable.

Contact TorHoerman Law for a free consultation.

Use the chat feature on this page to find out if you qualify for a PFAS contamination claim instantly.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • What are PFAS Chemicals and What are they Used In?

    Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are a group of synthetic chemicals widely used in industrial and consumer products due to their resistance to heat, water, and oil.

    These “forever chemicals” are found in non-stick cookware, food packaging, water-repellent clothing, and especially in aqueous film forming foam (AFFF), which has been heavily used on military installations like McGuire Air Force Base.

    PFAS chemicals do not break down in the environment, making their contamination of drinking water supplies and surrounding communities particularly hazardous and persistent.

  • What Health Concerns are Linked to PFAS Exposure?

    Exposure to PFAS-contaminated water has been associated with numerous serious health problems.

    These include thyroid disease, kidney cancer, immune system dysfunction, developmental delays in children, and elevated cholesterol levels.

    Military service members, civilian workers, and families living on or near military bases such as McGuire AFB face increased health risks due to long-term contact with PFAS-contaminated drinking water and groundwater.

  • What is the Source of PFAS Contamination at Military Bases?

    The primary source of PFAS contamination at military bases like McGuire Air Force Base is the use of aqueous film forming foam (AFFF), which was routinely used during firefighting training and emergency response operations.

    Over decades, PFAS chemicals from AFFF seeped into the soil, leading to widespread groundwater contamination and polluted drinking water systems.

    The Environmental Protection Agency and Environmental Working Group have confirmed the presence of dangerously high PFAS levels on many military sites, including McGuire AFB, posing ongoing risks to public health and the environment.

  • What Makes Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst a High-Risk Site for Toxic Exposure?

    Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst has a long history of military operations, aircraft training, and fuel storage—all of which contribute to its current status as one of the contaminated sites under federal review.

    In addition to jet fuel spills and hazardous solvent use, the base used AFFF firefighting foams for decades, leading to toxic exposure risks both on and off base.

    Residents near the base, including those relying on off base water supplies, may have been exposed to drinking water contamination without clear warnings.

    These risks mirror those identified at other legacy installations like Sawyer Air Force Base, Warren Air Force Base, and Brunswick Naval Air Station.

  • What Are the Health Effects of Long-Term PFAS Exposure at Military Bases?

    According to multiple federal studies, exposure to PFAS—a class of toxic substances—has been linked to:

    • Immune system problems
    • Hormonal disruption
    • Increased risk of serious health conditions such as kidney, liver, and testicular cancers
    • Developmental issues in infants and children

    Ongoing PFAS exposure at bases like McGuire, or Marine Corps Base Hawaii, has also raised concerns about fertility impacts and vaccine response reduction, as noted by agencies such as the Centers for Disease Control.

  • Has the Federal Government Provided Alternative Drinking Water to Affected Communities?

    In some cases, yes—but not consistently.

    The federal government has provided alternative drinking water at select bases where PFAS exceeded state maximum contaminant levels.

    However, this relief is usually temporary and reactive, not proactive.

    At Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst, local water utilities and military contractors have debated responsibility for filtration, monitoring, and replacement systems.

    Meanwhile, affected families continue to seek clarity on whether their exposure is ongoing, and who will be held accountable.

  • Who Is Legally Responsible for the PFAS Crisis at McGuire AFB and Other Installations?

    Responsibility is split between two major parties:

    1. Chemical manufacturers that knowingly produced PFAS-based products—such as AFFF—withholding toxicity data from the public and the government.
    2. The military and DoD agencies that continued using those products for decades, often without proper environmental safeguards.

    This failure has resulted in lawsuits aimed at both groups for putting service members and nearby civilians at risk.

    Lawsuits, however, only target chemical manufacturers and do not include the US military or other governmental agencies.

    Similar legal scrutiny has followed PFAS-related negligence at Buckeye Training Site, Naval Academy, and North Dakota National Guard facilities.

  • What Role Do PFAS Investigations Play in the Legal Process?

    PFAS investigations are essential to the legal process, serving as the foundation for claims under toxic tort and environmental law.

    These investigations gather data on groundwater migration, historical AFFF use, infrastructure integrity, and military PFAS discharge records.

    At Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst, the scope of these investigations will help determine exposure timelines, contamination pathways, and liability for chemical manufacturers.

    Successful litigation often hinges on precise documentation of contamination events, especially where long-term water contamination is involved.

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Tor Hoerman

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