Naval Air Station Pensacola has been identified as a site of significant PFAS contamination, prompting growing concern over the health and environmental risks facing military personnel and nearby communities.
Groundwater testing revealed alarmingly high concentrations of PFAS chemicals, which are known to persist in the environment and human body for decades.
Published by the Environmental Working Group (EWG), PFAS chemicals were detected at the following levels in groundwater at NAS Pensacola:
- PFOS + PFOA: 126,300 ppt
- PFOA: 7,950 ppt
- PFOS: 89,200 ppt
- PFBS: 427 ppt
- PFHxS (Perfluorohexanesulfonic acid): 18,800 ppt
- PFNA (Perfluorononanoic acid): 1,350 ppt
These measurements, particularly for PFOS and PFOA, exceed the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) 2024 drinking water standard of 4 parts per trillion by thousands of times—raising serious concerns about past AFFF use, ongoing contamination risks, and long-term health effects for individuals exposed to water on or near NAS Pensacola.
Sources of PFAS Exposure at NAS Pensacola
The primary source of PFAS contamination at Naval Air Station Pensacola is the historical use of aqueous film forming foam (AFFF), a firefighting foam heavily used during military training exercises and emergency responses.
AFFF contains high concentrations of PFOS, PFOA, and other polyfluoroalkyl substances that can seep into soil and groundwater, contaminating local water systems.
Additional sources may include PFAS-containing products such as lubricants, coatings, and cleaning agents used across contaminated military sites.
Due to decades of use without adequate environmental protections, PFAS chemicals have accumulated in the groundwater beneath NAS Pensacola, leading to widespread water contamination that affects not only the base itself but also surrounding communities relying on public or private drinking water supplies.
Who May Be Exposed to PFAS at NAS Pensacola
Military service members stationed at NAS Pensacola, civilian workers, and family members living on or near the base may have been exposed to PFAS through contaminated drinking water, food preparation, and bathing.
Residents in surrounding communities who rely on private wells or public water systems near the base may also be at risk, especially if groundwater contamination has migrated beyond the installation’s boundaries.
Exposure routes include direct ingestion of PFAS-contaminated water, absorption through the skin, and consumption of food or beverages prepared with water drawn from affected supplies.
The health consequences of such exposure may include an increased risk of thyroid disease, certain cancers, immune system suppression, and other serious health problems now linked to PFAS chemicals.
