Plattsburgh Air Force Base PFAS Lawsuit [2026 Update]

Plattsburgh Air Force Base (AFB) in New York has been identified as a significant source of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) contamination, particularly in groundwater.

The primary contributor to this pollution is the historical use of Aqueous Film Forming Foam (AFFF) for firefighting training and emergency response, a common practice at military installations.

AFFF contains high concentrations of PFAS, which are persistent environmental pollutants linked to various health issues.

Environmental studies have revealed alarmingly high levels of PFAS in the groundwater at Plattsburgh AFB.

Combined concentrations of perfluorooctanesulfonic acid (PFOS) and perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) have been measured at 1,045,000 parts per trillion (ppt), placing the base among the most contaminated military sites in the United States.

This contamination poses a significant threat to the surrounding environment, including the Lake Champlain Basin.

PFAS from the base have been detected in the Salmon River, which flows into Lake Champlain, raising concerns about the broader ecological impact and potential exposure risks for local communities.

In response to these findings, the Air Force has initiated investigations to assess the extent of the contamination and its potential impact on public health.

This includes PFAS testing private wells in the vicinity of the former base.

In some instances, elevated levels of PFAS have been detected, leading to the provision of alternative water sources and the installation of filtration systems for affected residents.

Despite these efforts, the persistence and mobility of PFAS in the environment present ongoing challenges for remediation.

The situation at Plattsburgh AFB underscores the need for comprehensive strategies to address PFAS contamination at military sites nationwide, to safeguard environmental and public health.

According to data from the Environmental Working Group (EWG), levels of certain PFAS chemicals and other contaminants identified at Plattsburgh AFB are as follows:

• PFOA: 981,000 ppt
• PFOS: 70,300 ppt
• Combined PFOA and PFOS: 1,045,00 ppt
• PFBS: 15,800 ppt
• PFHpA: 18,300 ppt
• PFHxS: 607,000 ppt
• PFHxA: 3,640 ppt

Who May Have Been Exposed to PFAS in Drinking Water at Plattsburgh AFB?

Plattsburgh Air Force Base (AFB) historically sourced its drinking water from on-site wells tapping into local aquifers.

However, due to environmental concerns, including potential contamination, the base’s groundwater was not used as a drinking water source.

In the surrounding communities, particularly near the former base, private wells have been identified as being at risk of contamination.

Notably, four private drinking water wells were impacted, with three exceeding New York State’s PFAS levels, leading to the state providing filtration systems for these wells.

The base’s contamination has affected the Lake Champlain Basin, with PFAS detected in the Salmon River, which flows into Lake Champlain, raising concerns about broader ecological impacts and potential exposure risks for local communities

Individuals who lived or worked at Plattsburgh Air Force Base (AFB) or in nearby communities may have been exposed to PFAS through contaminated groundwater and private wells.

Groups Potentially at Risk or at Risk in the Past:

• Military personnel stationed at Plattsburgh AFB
• Families of military personnel living on base
• Civilian employees and contractors working on base
• Residents near the base who use private wells
• Nearby communities relying on unmonitored water sources
• Veterans previously stationed at Plattsburgh AFB

Plattsburgh AFB: Among the Hundreds of Military Sites with Dangerous PFAS Contamination

The former Plattsburgh Air Force Base in New York is among numerous U.S. military installations grappling with significant PFAS contamination.

The Department of Defense has identified over 700 military sites with known or suspected releases of these toxic chemicals, primarily from the extensive use of firefighting foams.

At Scott AFB, testing has revealed PFAS levels in groundwater that far exceed the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) health advisory limits, raising concerns for both military personnel and nearby residents.

The health implications of PFAS exposure suffered by military service members are severe, with links to cancers, thyroid disease, liver damage, and immune system suppression.

Communities surrounding military bases, including Scott AFB, have reported contaminated drinking water supplies, leading to increased health risks and prompting legal actions against manufacturers and the military.

Cleanup efforts are underway at many sites, but the persistence of PFAS in the environment makes remediation challenging and costly.

The ongoing contamination at military bases like Scott AFB underscores the urgent need for comprehensive strategies to address PFAS pollution and protect public health.

What is the EPA Standard for PFAS Levels in Water?

In April 2024, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the Biden Administration established the first national, legally enforceable drinking water standards for six specific per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS).

EPA Issued PFAS Maximum Contaminant Levels (MCLs) are:

• PFOA (Perfluorooctanoic acid): 4 parts per trillion (ppt)
• PFOS (Perfluorooctane sulfonate): 4 ppt
• PFNA (Perfluorononanoic acid): 10 ppt
• PFHxS (Perfluorohexane sulfonate): 10 ppt
• HFPO-DA (commonly known as GenX Chemicals): 10 ppt
• PFBS (Perfluorobutane sulfonate): Regulated through a Hazard Index approach

The Hazard Index is a tool used to evaluate the combined risk of exposure to multiple PFAS when they co-occur in drinking water. It accounts for the additive effects of these chemicals, ensuring that the total exposure does not exceed safe levels.

These PFAS regulations aim to protect public health by reducing exposure to these persistent chemicals, which have been linked to various adverse health effects, including certain cancers, liver damage, and immune system impacts.

Public water systems are required to monitor for these PFAS and take necessary actions to comply with the established MCLs.

PFAS chemicals, or per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, are a group of man-made compounds valued for their resistance to heat, water, and grease.

First developed in the mid-20th century, these toxic substances were initially used in military and industrial applications, particularly in firefighting foams designed to suppress fuel fires.

Over time, PFAS found their way into everyday products, including food packaging, non-stick cookware, stain-resistant fabrics, and water-repellent clothing.

They are also commonly found in personal care items, cleaning agents, and coatings used in various consumer products.

The widespread use of PFAS has led to their presence in the environment, contaminating soil, air, and water sources worldwide.

Research shows that PFAS exposure is linked to serious health impacts, such as cancer, thyroid disease, immune system suppression, and reproductive harm.

These toxic substances do not break down easily in the environment or the human body, earning them the nickname “forever chemicals.”

PFAS contamination has been detected in tap water supplies across the United States, and even bottled water may contain traces of these chemicals.

Beyond water, PFAS can accumulate in the food chain, entering the human body through food and beverages packaged in PFAS-treated materials.

Given the potential for long-term exposure through multiple sources, addressing PFAS contamination in everyday products and the environment has become a public health priority.

Harmful Health Effects of PFAS Exposure

Exposure to PFAS chemicals has been linked to numerous harmful health effects, raising serious concerns for public safety.

These toxic substances accumulate in the human body over time, increasing the risk of developing long-term illnesses.

Scientific studies have shown that even low levels of PFAS in drinking water, food, and everyday products can contribute to significant health problems.

Vulnerable populations, such as children and pregnant women, may face greater risks due to the persistent nature of PFAS in the environment and the body.

Health effects of PFAS exposure may include:

• Increased cancer risk: Linked to kidney, liver, pancreatic, testicular, and breast cancer.
• Thyroid disease: Associated with disruptions in thyroid hormone regulation.
• Reproductive issues: Linked to infertility, pregnancy complications, and developmental delays in children.
• Liver damage: Can lead to elevated liver enzymes and long-term liver disease.
• Immune system suppression: May reduce the body’s ability to fight infections and respond to vaccines.
• Elevated cholesterol: Connected to higher levels of LDL (bad cholesterol).
• Hormonal disruptions: Affects endocrine function, leading to metabolic and growth issues.

The National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES), conducted by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), collects health and dietary data from the U.S. population.

NHANES has played a crucial role in studying PFAS exposure by measuring PFAS levels in human blood samples across various demographics.

This data helps researchers understand the prevalence of PFAS exposure in the general population and its potential link to health issues such as cancer, thyroid disorders, and immune suppression.

This survey and others provide critical evidence for public health policies and legal actions regarding PFAS contamination.

Exposure to PFAS in water brings serious health risks, as these synthetic chemicals accumulate in the body over time, leading to increased chances of cancers, immune disorders, and liver damage.

The presence of PFAS in drinking water means that families and entire communities may be unknowingly affected, facing potential long-term health issues from daily use.

This ongoing exposure, especially in vulnerable populations, underscores the urgent need for clean, safe water and immediate action to reduce PFAS contamination in our environments.

If you or a loved one were exposed to PFAS-contaminated drinking water at or around Plattsburgh AFB, contact our law firm today for a free consultation.

Use the chat feature on this page to get in touch with our law firm and for a free case evaluation.

Lawyers are actively investigating the potential for PFAS Litigation against manufacturers who may be responsible for rampant contamination at and around military sites.

Gathering Evidence for a PFAS Claim

Building a strong PFAS claim requires thorough and organized evidence to demonstrate exposure and its effects.

Key documents, such as medical records and water testing results, help establish the link between

PFAS contamination and health issues.

Gathering this evidence is essential to support your claim and increase the likelihood of a successful outcome.

Evidence in a PFAS Lawsuit may include:

• Medical records documenting health conditions linked to PFAS exposure
• Water testing results showing PFAS contamination in local or household water sources
• Employment or residency records proving time spent near contaminated sites
• Expert testimony connecting health effects to PFAS exposure
• Environmental reports or studies indicating contamination levels in your area

Toxic PFAS chemicals have been detected in water in and around Plattsburgh AFB.

PFAS pollution is a national health concern, and is especially relevant near military sites where firefighting foam was used.

Exposure to PFAS contaminated water has been linked to a number of human health problems and environmental damage.

Our PFAS Lawyers are currently investigating lawsuits against chemical companies and PFAS manufacturers who knew about the risks of health effects but failed to warn the public.

If you’ve suffered from the serious health risks of exposure to PFAS at Plattsburgh AFB, you may be eligible to file a claim.

Contact our law firm today for a free consultation.

Use the chat feature on this page for an instant case evaluation to find out if you qualify for a PFAS claim instantly.