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.
