Testing conducted at Portland Air National Guard Base (PANGB)—located at Portland International Airport—revealed PFAS contamination in groundwater far exceeding the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) 2024 Maximum Contaminant Levels (MCLs).
According to data published by the Environmental Working Group (EWG), PFAS chemicals were detected at the following levels in groundwater at Portland Air National Guard Base (PANGB), located at Portland International Airport, in 2019:
- PFOS (Perfluorooctanesulfonic acid): 42,000 ppt
- PFOA (Perfluorooctanoic acid): 24,000 ppt
- PFOS + PFOA (combined): 42,970 ppt
- PFHxS (Perfluorohexanesulfonic acid): 11,000 ppt
- PFBS (Perfluorobutanesulfonic acid): 430 ppt
- PFHpA (Perfluoroheptanoic acid): 400 ppt
- PFNA (Perfluorononanoic acid): 43 ppt
These concentrations significantly exceed the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) 2024 Maximum Contaminant Levels (MCLs) for PFAS in drinking water, which are set at 4 parts per trillion (ppt) for both PFOS and PFOA.
The contamination is primarily linked to the historical use of aqueous film-forming foam (AFFF) for firefighting training and emergency response at the base.
This has raised concerns about potential exposure risks to service members, base personnel, and surrounding communities.
Sources of PFAS Exposure at Portland ANGB
The primary source of PFAS contamination at Portland Air National Guard Base stems from the historical use of aqueous film-forming foam (AFFF), which contained PFOS, PFOA, and other polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS).
This firefighting foam was routinely used during Cold War-era training exercises and aircraft fire suppression drills, leading to repeated discharges of hazardous substances into the surrounding environment.
These forever chemicals have leached into soil, groundwater, and drinking water systems, affecting both on-base drinking water and nearby private drinking water wells.
Contaminants from legacy military installations like Portland ANGB have persisted due to the durable nature of synthetic chemicals and have resulted in elevated PFAS levels in the area.
Additional sources of PFAS pollution may include runoff from aircraft maintenance zones, waste disposal practices, and stormwater systems that carried residues into local Oregon water supplies.
Who May Be Exposed to PFAS at Portland ANGB
Military service members, Oregon Air National Guard personnel, civilian workers, and contractors stationed at or working near Portland Air National Guard Base may have experienced direct or indirect PFAS exposure.
This includes exposure through contact with PFAS-containing products, ingestion of contaminated drinking water, or inhalation of particles during firefighting activities and equipment maintenance.
Communities living near the base—particularly those who depend on private wells or public water systems tapping into affected aquifers—may face an increased risk of exposure to toxic substances.
Given the link between PFAS chemicalsand serious health effects such as thyroid disease, certain cancers, and developmental delays, those who spent time on or near the base are urged to pursue PFAS blood testing, consult with environmental health professionals, and explore legal remedies under the Superfund law or related litigation efforts.
