Portland Air National Guard Base PFAS Lawsuit [2026 Update]

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.

Individuals who lived, worked, or served at or near Portland Air National Guard Base (PANGB)—especially during or after its use of aqueous film-forming foam (AFFF)—may qualify to participate in a PFAS lawsuit.

If you experienced PFAS exposure through contaminated drinking water, private wells, or public water systems near Portland International Airport, and later developed health issues such as thyroid disease, certain cancers, or other serious health effects, you could be eligible for compensation.

Legal action may also apply to those residing in surrounding communities impacted by forever chemicals released from the base.

Eligibility is often reviewed on a case-by-case basis, and consulting a law firm experienced in PFAS litigation can help determine if your health concerns and exposure history meet the requirements.

Gathering Evidence for PFAS Lawsuits

To strengthen a PFAS water contamination lawsuit related to Portland ANGB, it is critical to gather evidence demonstrating your exposure to PFAS chemicals and resulting health risks.

Useful documentation includes medical records, PFAS blood testing results, proof of residency or employment near the base, and any communications regarding drinking water contamination or testing by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) or other local authorities.

Showing a connection between your health problems and PFAS concentrations in the water supply—especially levels well above the EPA’s Maximum Contaminant Levels (MCLs)—can support your claim.

An experienced law firm can help guide you through this process and ensure all relevant scientific evidence and regulatory findings are properly presented.

TorHoerman Law is actively investigating claims related to PFAS contamination at the Portland Air National Guard Base (PANGB), located at Portland International Airport.

With alarming PFAS concentrations detected in the area’s drinking water supplies, concerns are mounting over PFAS exposure affecting military service members, civilian workers, and surrounding communities.

The presence of forever chemicals, such as PFOS and PFOA, is believed to be tied to the historic use of aqueous film-forming foam (AFFF) during firefighting training and emergency response at this military installation.

Our firm is committed to helping individuals who may have been exposed to PFAS through contaminated groundwater, private drinking water wells, or public water systems near the base.

Those suffering from serious health problemslike thyroid disease, certain cancers, or other health effects potentially linked to polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS)may be entitled to compensation.

Backed by a team experienced in PFAS litigation and environmental health cases, TorHoerman Law is here to assist victims in navigating their legal rights and holding responsible parties accountable.

If you or a loved one were exposed to PFAS contamination at Portland ANGB and developed cancer or other serious health problems, you may be eligible to file a PFAS exposure 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 case instantly.