Study Links PFAS Drinking Water Contamination to Firefighter Foam Used at Military Base

A new report adds to growing concerns about the impact of PFAS contamination on drinking water sources across the country. Researchers from the University of Arizona conclude in a new study that PFAS in the local water sources of a small city in Washington state is likely the result of the military’s longstanding use of PFAS-containing aqueous film-forming foam (AFFF), also known as “firefighter foam.”

The study findings underscore the urgent need to address this issue, as PFAS exposure has been linked to a host of serious health concerns, including testicular cancer, kidney cancer, liver cancer, thyroid dysfunction, and immune system disruption. With the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) recently establishing new, stringent drinking water limits for PFAS, the pressure is on to mitigate this widespread contamination and safeguard public health.

Firefighter Foam and PFAS Water Contamination Risks

Firefighter foam, used extensively at military bases across the U.S., poses a significant risk to drinking water sources due to its high concentration of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS). These man-made chemicals, known for their heat-resistant and water-repellent properties, have earned the moniker “forever chemicals” due to their persistence in the environment and the human body. When AFFF is used in firefighting exercises or to extinguish fuel fires, the PFAS compounds can seep into the ground, contaminating soil and eventually reaching groundwater sources. 

This contamination pathway is especially concerning at military installations, where large-scale and frequent use of AFFF has occurred over decades. The presence of PFAS in drinking water supplies near these bases presents a serious public health concern, as long-term exposure to these chemicals has been linked to various health issues, including cancer, liver damage, decreased fertility, and weakened immune system responses. As more studies unveil the extent of this contamination, affected communities and individuals may have grounds for legal action against manufacturers of AFFF and other responsible parties.

The Military’s History of Firefighting Foam Use

A primary cause of the drinking water contamination seen in cities and towns nationwide is the historical use of AFFF by the military and local fire departments to combat fuel-based fires. These foams, which contain toxic PFAS that can build up in the human body and environment, were routinely discharged during training exercises and emergency responses, allowing the chemicals to seep into surrounding soil and groundwater.

PFAS Water Contamination Near Fairchild Air Force Base

The researchers in this new study, published as part of the University of Arizona’s Geographic Information Systems Technology master’s degree program, sought an explanation for high levels of PFAS in the blood of residents near Airway Heights, Washington, a small city located east of Fairchild Air Force Base. The researchers looked at all possible sources of PFAS contamination and concluded that a large portion of the chemicals likely came from firefighter foam that migrated from two landfills near the Air Force base, which used and disposed of firefighter foam for years. 

According to the researchers, there was no process in place to filter the toxic chemicals before they leached into the groundwater and drinking water supplies of communities located near the Air Force base. “AFFF has a high probability of being a partner source to the possible leeching of hazmat waste,” they concluded. “After dispensed, the fire-fighting foam is left to dissolve without a way to be filtered from nature (i.e. soil, sand, water, etc.).”

The Toll of PFAS Contamination on Human Health

The health implications of PFAS exposure are well-documented, with numerous studies linking these chemicals to a range of serious conditions. According to the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR), PFAS exposure may be associated with fertility issues, pregnancy-induced hypertension, increased cholesterol, immune system changes, certain cancers, liver damage, and thyroid disease.

These findings have spurred a wave of litigation, with 3M, DuPont, and other AFFF manufacturers facing thousands of lawsuits from individuals who developed testicular cancer, kidney cancer, ulcerative colitis, and other health problems allegedly due to PFAS exposure. Firefighters who were directly exposed to the toxic foam during training or emergency responses have filed AFFF cancer lawsuits, as well as individuals who live near military installations, where drinking water has been contaminated by runoff from firefighter foam.

Ongoing Efforts to Address PFAS Contamination

In response to the PFAS public health crisis, the Department of Defense (DOD) has taken several steps to mitigate the issue, including phasing out the use of AFFF and transitioning to fluorine-free firefighting foams. Additionally, the EPA has recently introduced regulations to limit the presence of PFAS in drinking water, requiring public water systems to monitor and take action to reduce concentrations of five specific PFAS compounds and PFAS mixtures. This landmark move aims to protect the health of approximately 100 million Americans.

The Need for Comprehensive PFAS Testing and Remediation

While these efforts are a step in the right direction, experts warn that the full scope of PFAS contamination remains underestimated. Comprehensive testing and remediation efforts are needed to identify and address the widespread presence of these “forever chemicals” in water supplies, particularly near military installations and other potential sources.