Newark Air Force Base PFAS Lawsuit [2025 Update]

Dangerous Levels of PFAS Contamination Detected at Newark Air Force Base

Environmental testing conducted in 2018 and reported by the Environmental Working Group (EWG) revealed dangerous levels of PFAS contamination at Newark Air Force Base, located in Heath, Ohio.

PFAS—short for per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances—are toxic, synthetic chemicals often found in firefighting foam and industrial products used on military installations.

The detected levels at Newark AFB significantly exceed the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) 2024 Maximum Contaminant Level (MCL) of 4 ppt for PFOA and PFOS in drinking water, raising serious health concerns for both civilian and military populations.

According to 2018 testing data published by the Environmental Working Group (EWG), PFAS levels in groundwater at Newark Air Force Base were as follows:

• PFOS (Perfluorooctane sulfonate): 435 ppt
• PFOA (Perfluorooctanoic acid): 221 ppt
• PFOS + PFOA (Combined): 656 ppt
• PFBS (Perfluorobutanesulfonic acid): 76 ppt
• PFHpA (Perfluoroheptanoic acid): 296 ppt
• PFHxA (Perfluorohexanoic acid): 273 ppt
• PFHxS (Perfluorohexanesulfonic acid): 527 ppt
• PFNA (Perfluorononanoic acid): 30 ppt
• PFDA (Perfluorodecanoic acid): 2.0 ppt
• PFDoA (Perfluorododecanoic acid): 2.1 ppt
• PFUnA (Perfluoroundecanoic acid): 2.1 ppt
• PFTeA (Perfluorotetradecanoic acid): 1.1 ppt
• NEtFOSAA (N-Ethyl perfluorooctanesulfonamidoacetic acid): 16 ppt
• NMeFOSAA (N-Methyl perfluorooctanesulfonamidoacetic acid): 16 ppt

These numbers place Newark AFB on the PFAS contamination list of concern and indicate decades of toxic exposure that may have affected service members, civilian employees, and surrounding communities.

Sources of PFAS at Newark Air Force Base

The primary source of PFAS contamination at Newark Air Force Base is the historical use of Aqueous Film Forming Foam (AFFF), a firefighting agent widely used at military installations.

This foam, which was employed for aircraft fire suppression and training exercises, contains high levels of PFAS chemicals known for their resistance to heat and water.

Additional sources may include the maintenance and testing of support systems for aluminum presses, chemical runoff, industrial wastewater, and improper disposal of hazardous substances.

These practices contributed to PFAS leaching into the soil and groundwater, endangering nearby private drinking water wells and drinking water supplies.

Impacted Populations at Newark Air Force Base

The populations most at risk from PFAS contamination at Newark Air Force Base include both former and current military service members, civilian workers, and residents in surrounding areas who may have consumed or come into contact with contaminated water.

Personnel involved in fire safety, emergency responses, and maintenance operations are especially vulnerable due to direct exposure to firefighting foam.

Long-term exposure through drinking water may increase the risk of thyroid disease, testicular cancer, kidney cancer, and other serious health problems.

Given the proximity of the Heath Maintenance Annex and nearby communities, the concern for public health spans both on-base and off-base populations.

Addressing PFAS Contamination at Newark Air Force Base

Efforts to address PFAS contamination at Newark AFB include initial groundwater testing, environmental assessments, and public health evaluations led by the Air Force and other government agencies.

Many advocates and environmental health experts argue that more aggressive action is needed to protect public health.

Potential solutions include expanding PFAS testing in drinking water, installing advanced treatment systems such as reverse osmosis, and providing health monitoring for individuals with prolonged exposure.

Regulatory oversight by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and partnerships with environmental groups are key to ensuring the site is adequately remediated and that the affected populations receive proper support.

Broader Implications of PFAS Contamination at Newark Air Force Base

The PFAS contamination at Newark Air Force Base is part of a much larger issue affecting military bases across the country.

The case highlights the consequences of decades of military and industrial activities involving harmful substances without adequate environmental safeguards.

It reinforces the urgent need for federal PFAS regulations, increased funding for cleanup, and transparent communication between the military, public health officials, and surrounding communities.

As scientific studies continue to confirm links between PFAS exposure and serious health conditions, Newark AFB stands as a stark example of how legacy contamination can impact both military and civilian populations, calling for swift and sustained action to prevent further harm.

What Are PFAS Chemicals and What Makes Them Dangerous

PFAS, or per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, are a large group of synthetic chemicals developed for their unique ability to resist heat, oil, stains, grease, and water.

Since the 1940s, they have been widely used in military installations like Newark Air Force Base, as well as in consumer products like non-stick cookware, food packaging, and water-resistant fabrics.

What makes PFAS chemicals particularly dangerous is their incredible persistence — they do not break down naturally in the environment or in the human body, earning them the nickname “forever chemicals.”

Over time, PFAS accumulate in soil, groundwater, drinking water supplies, and human blood, posing serious long-term health risks to individuals exposed.

Why Are PFAS Chemicals Dangerous

PFAS chemicals are dangerous because they are both bio-accumulative and highly resistant to natural degradation.

Once released into the environment—through sources like firefighting foam used at military bases—they travel easily through groundwater and remain active for decades.

In humans, PFAS bind to proteins in the blood, concentrating in vital organs such as the kidneys, liver, and thyroid gland.

Even low levels of exposure over time can lead to harmful biological effects.

Their ability to build up in both ecosystems and human bodies makes even small, continuous exposures to PFAS a major public health concern.

Health Risks Associated with PFAS Exposure

Extensive research, including studies by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), has linked PFAS exposure to numerous adverse health effects.

Documented risks include:

• Kidney cancer
• Testicular cancer
• Thyroid disease and hormone disruption
• Liver damage and elevated cholesterol
• Immune system suppression, reducing vaccine effectiveness
• Pregnancy complications such as low birth weight and preeclampsia
• Developmental delays in children

Individuals exposed to PFAS-contaminated drinking water or soil, such as those near Newark Air Force Base, may face a significantly increased risk of developing these serious health problems over time.

Environmental Impact of PFAS

The environmental impact of PFAS contamination is widespread and long-lasting.

Once released into the environment, PFAS migrate through soil, groundwater, and surface water, infiltrating ecosystems and contaminating water supplies.

Traditional water treatment methods cannot easily remove PFAS, allowing them to persist in public drinking water systems.

Wildlife exposed to PFAS may experience reproductive harm, growth abnormalities, and organ toxicity, which can disrupt entire ecosystems.

Sites like Newark Air Force Base serve as stark reminders of how unchecked use of hazardous substances can lead to environmental degradation that spans decades.

The Need for Urgent Action

Given the serious and well-documented health and environmental risks associated with PFAS, urgent action is required to mitigate their impact.

Although the Environmental Protection Agency has implemented stricter drinking water standards for PFOA and PFOS, many contaminated sites—especially military installations like Newark Air Force Base—still require extensive cleanup efforts.

Immediate steps must include expanding PFAS testing, investing in water treatment technologies like reverse osmosis, holding chemical manufacturers and responsible parties accountable, and offering medical monitoring for affected individuals.

Without aggressive remediation and prevention strategies, PFAS pollution will continue to threaten public health and natural resources for generations to come.

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

You may qualify for the Newark Air Force Base PFAS lawsuit if you lived, worked, or served at or near the base and were exposed to PFAS-contaminated drinking water, groundwater, or soil.

Individuals who developed serious health conditions such as kidney cancer, testicular cancer, thyroid disease, or immune system disorders after prolonged exposure may be eligible to seek financial compensation.

Even if you have not been formally diagnosed with a PFAS-related illness, but you lived in surrounding communities where contamination was detected, you could still qualify for medical monitoring or future compensation.

Consulting with an experienced PFAS attorney can help determine your eligibility based on your exposure history, health status, and residence or employment records connected to Newark Air Force Base.

Gathering Evidence for PFAS Lawsuits

Building a strong PFAS lawsuit requires detailed evidence that links your exposure to Newark Air Force Base’s contamination with your health conditions or property damage.

Important documentation includes proof of residence, military service, or employment near the base during periods of known PFAS contamination.

Medical records that diagnose illnesses associated with PFAS exposure, such as cancer or thyroid disease, are essential.

Water testing results, Environmental Working Group (EWG) data, Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) reports, and expert medical or environmental opinions can help strengthen your case.

Working with a knowledgeable legal team ensures that all necessary evidence is gathered, preserved, and presented effectively to maximize your chances of receiving fair compensation.

TorHoerman Law: Investigating PFAS Lawsuits at Newark Air Force Base

At TorHoerman Law, we are actively investigating potential legal claims related to PFAS contamination at Newark Air Force Base.

The presence of high levels of toxic per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in the soil and groundwater around the base has raised significant concerns for the health and safety of military service members, civilian employees, and nearby residents.

Our legal team is committed to helping individuals harmed by toxic exposure pursue the financial compensation they deserve for medical expenses, health complications, property damage, and other losses.

With decades of experience handling environmental and mass tort litigation, TorHoerman Law collaborates with scientific experts, environmental specialists, and medical professionals to build strong, evidence-based cases.

We believe that those responsible—including chemical manufacturers and other negligent parties—must be held accountable for the harm caused by dangerous PFAS chemicals.

If you or a loved one lived, worked, or served at or near Newark Air Force Base and developed serious health problems linked to PFAS exposure, contact TorHoerman Law today for a free consultation.

You can also use the chatbot on this page to find out instantly if you qualify for the Newark Air Force Base PFAS lawsuit.