Air Force Plant 6 PFAS Lawsuit

Air Force Plant 6, also known as Air Force Plant 44 (AFP 44), sits within the sprawling Tucson International Airport Area Superfund Site, where decades of industrial operations have created a 10-square-mile zone of groundwater contamination affecting thousands of residents.

The facility, located approximately eight miles south of downtown Tucson, has emerged as a focus in nationwide PFAS litigation as contamination levels reaching 53,000 parts per trillion—over 13,000 times the EPA’s safety standard—continue to threaten public health and force costly remediation efforts throughout the region.

The History of AFFF Use at Air Force Plant 6

Military installations across the United States began using Aqueous Film Forming Foam (AFFF) in the 1970s as a primary firefighting agent for fuel-based fires, and Air Force Plant 6 followed this standard protocol for decades.

The facility utilized AFFF extensively during crash crew training exercises, hangar system operations, equipment testing, and emergency response situations from the 1970s through recent years, releasing thousands of gallons of the PFAS-laden foam into the environment.

The documented AFFF usage at AFP 44 included, but was not limited to:

• Regular fire suppression training drills conducted on-site
• Emergency response operations for aircraft incidents
• Hangar deluge system testing and maintenance
• Equipment calibration and functionality checks
• Fuel spill containment and suppression activities

These firefighting foams, prized for their ability to quickly suppress petroleum-based fires, contained high concentrations of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) that would ultimately seep through soil and concrete, creating a toxic plume in the regional aquifer.

While the EPA has established a safety standard of just 4 parts per trillion for certain PFAS compounds in drinking water, PFAS detected at the Tucson Airport Remediation Project (TARP) treatment plant revealed contamination levels as high as 53,000 parts per trillion—a concentration that represents an extraordinary public health threat requiring immediate intervention.

Current Contamination Levels and Affected Areas

The PFAS pollution emanating from Air Force Plant 6 has created an environmental crisis spanning approximately 10 square miles, encompassing not only the Tucson International Airport but also the Morris Air National Guard Base and surrounding residential communities.

This expansive contamination zone threatens the water supply for tens of thousands of Tucson residents, with the toxic plume continuing to migrate northwest through the aquifer system toward additional municipal wells.

The most severely impacted areas include, but are not limited to:

• Tucson Airport Remediation Project (TARP) wellfield system
• Residential neighborhoods north of Los Reales Road
• San Xavier District of the Tohono O’odham Nation
• Communities surrounding Hughes Access Road
• Areas adjacent to Nogales Highway (Route 89)

The scope of this environmental disaster has forced the City of Tucson to shut down 31 municipal wells to prevent further exposure to contaminated water, creating strain on the city’s water infrastructure and supply capacity.

According to the city’s December 2024 lawsuit, Tucson has already invested $71.1 million in PFAS-related remediation efforts, including specialized laboratory equipment to analyze over 1,800 water samples annually, construction of new pretreatment facilities and filtration systems, and ongoing operational costs for alternative water sources to serve affected communities.

If you or a loved one consumed PFAS-contaminated water from wells near Air Force Plant 6 and developed serious health conditions, you may be eligible to seek compensation.

Contact TruLaw using the chat on this page to receive an instant case evaluation that can help you determine if you qualify to file a PFAS Water Contamination Lawsuit today.

EPA Emergency Order and Air Force Response

The Environmental Protection Agency issued an emergency administrative order in May 2024 directing the U.S. Air Force and Arizona National Guard to immediately address the PFAS contamination threatening Tucson’s drinking water supply.

The order emphasized that no extraction and treatment system existed for containing or treating PFAS-contaminated groundwater from AFP 44 or the Morris Air National Guard Base, allowing toxic chemicals to continue migrating throughout the regional aquifer unchecked.

The Air Force responded to EPA enforcement actions through several documented legal and administrative measures:

• Challenged EPA Authority: Filed legal briefs citing the Supreme Court’s 2024 Chevron doctrine ruling to question the EPA’s regulatory power over military installations
• Jurisdictional Disputes: Argued that federal military facilities fall outside EPA’s enforcement scope for environmental contamination remediation
• Non-compliance with Emergency Orders: Declined to implement immediate remediation measures requested by EPA for contaminated groundwater sites
• Delayed Required Documentation: Failed to meet submission deadlines for contamination investigation reports and cleanup action plans mandated under federal environmental law
• Contested Financial Liability: Disputed responsibility for funding community water treatment systems and environmental restoration costs related to PFAS contamination

However, mounting public pressure and the threat of substantial penalties led to a shift in October 2024, when the Air Force reached a compliance agreement with the EPA to begin addressing the contamination crisis.

The agreement establishes a framework for cost-sharing on treatment infrastructure, with the Air Force committing to cover 50% of expenses for new PFAS removal systems while also conducting comprehensive site investigations under the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act (CERCLA) to determine the full extent of contamination and develop long-term remediation strategies.

Scientific research has established clear links between PFAS exposure and numerous serious health conditions affecting military personnel, civilian employees, and Tucson residents who consumed contaminated water from Air Force Plant 6.

These “forever chemicals” bioaccumulate in human tissue over time, with effects ranging from immediate health impacts to cancers and chronic diseases that may not manifest for years or even decades after initial exposure, raising concerns among environmental health experts and federal agencies.

Cancers and Major Health Conditions Linked to PFAS

The C8 Science Panel and subsequent epidemiological studies have identified kidney cancer and testicular cancer as having the strongest associations with PFAS exposure, with research from the National Cancer Institute and Centers for Disease Control confirming elevated risks for individuals exposed through contaminated drinking water.

According to the CDC’s Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry, multiple peer-reviewed studies published through 2024 demonstrate that PFAS compounds, particularly PFOA and PFOS found at Air Force Plant 6, disrupt normal cellular function and may trigger malignant transformations in kidney, testicular, liver, and thyroid tissues.

Medical research has identified several types of cancer associated with PFAS exposure through contaminated water, occupational contact, and environmental sources:

• Kidney Cancer: Studies demonstrate increased rates of renal cell carcinoma among individuals with elevated PFAS blood levels, particularly in occupational settings
• Testicular Cancer: Research shows higher incidence rates in communities with contaminated drinking water, with risk factors increasing based on exposure duration
• Liver Cancer: Hepatocellular carcinoma cases have been documented in workers exposed to PFAS manufacturing processes over extended periods
• Thyroid Cancer: Military personnel and firefighters show elevated thyroid cancer rates linked to occupational PFAS exposure through firefighting foam
• Prostate Cancer: Emerging research indicates potential connections between PFAS exposure and aggressive prostate cancer development, though studies remain ongoing
• Bladder Cancer: Current investigations examine correlations between PFAS contamination levels and bladder cancer incidence in affected communities

The bioaccumulation process allows hazardous substances like PFAS chemicals to bind to proteins in the blood, liver, and kidney, where they remain for years due to their exceptionally long biological half-lives—often 3-8 years for compounds like PFOA and PFOS.

Recent meta-analyses examining cancer incidence rates have shown dose-dependent relationships, meaning higher exposure levels and longer duration of contaminated water consumption correlate directly with increased cancer risks, particularly for individuals exposed to concentrations exceeding 50 parts per trillion over extended periods.

Other Serious Health Effects and Vulnerable Populations

Beyond cancer risks, PFAS exposure has been definitively linked to thyroid disease, ulcerative colitis, high cholesterol, and immune system suppression that reduces vaccine effectiveness and increases susceptibility to infections.

Children exposed to PFAS face particularly severe consequences, including developmental delays, lower birth weights, accelerated puberty, bone variations, and potential cognitive impairments that can affect academic performance and quality of life throughout childhood and beyond.

Populations at highest risk for severe PFAS-related health effects include:

• Pregnant women (risk of pregnancy-induced hypertension and complications)
• Developing fetuses (PFAS crosses the placental barrier)
• Infants and young children (developmental vulnerabilities)
• Immunocompromised individuals
• People with pre-existing kidney or liver conditions
• Long-term residents near contaminated water sources

Fertility impacts represent another serious concern for families exposed to PFAS-contaminated water, with studies documenting decreased fertility rates in both men and women, increased time to pregnancy, and elevated risks of miscarriage.

Pregnant women exposed to toxic substances like PFAS face heightened risks of gestational diabetes, preeclampsia, and delivering low birth weight infants, while the chemicals’ ability to pass through breast milk creates additional exposure pathways for nursing infants in affected communities.

If you or a loved one developed cancer or other serious health conditions after consuming PFAS-contaminated water from Air Force Plant 6, you may be eligible to seek compensation.

Contact TruLaw using the chat on this page to receive an instant case evaluation that can help you determine if you qualify to file a PFAS Water Contamination Lawsuit today.

Recognizing Symptoms and Getting Medical Documentation

Early detection of PFAS-related health conditions requires vigilance in monitoring symptoms that may seem unrelated but could indicate chemical exposure effects, including unexplained fatigue, hormonal imbalances, elevated cholesterol levels, liver enzyme abnormalities, or changes in kidney function.

Individuals with documented exposure to Air Force Plant 6 contamination should undergo comprehensive medical screening, particularly if experiencing any symptoms associated with PFAS-linked conditions or if they belong to high-risk demographic groups.

Healthcare providers typically recommend specific medical tests to monitor health impacts in patients with documented PFAS exposure:

• PFAS Blood Serum Testing: Measures current contamination levels in the bloodstream to establish baseline exposure and track changes over time
• Comprehensive Metabolic Panel: Evaluates liver enzyme levels and kidney function markers to detect early signs of organ damage from PFAS accumulation
• Lipid Panel Testing: Monitors cholesterol and triglyceride levels, as PFAS exposure has been linked to elevated blood lipids and cardiovascular risks
• Thyroid Function Assessment: Includes TSH, T3, and T4 testing to identify hormonal disruptions commonly associated with PFAS contamination
• Age-Appropriate Cancer Screening: Incorporates enhanced monitoring protocols based on individual risk factors and types of cancer linked to PFAS exposure
• Reproductive Health Evaluation: Provides fertility assessments and hormonal testing for individuals planning families, given PFAS impacts on reproductive systems

Maintaining detailed medical records becomes paramount for supporting future legal claims, requiring patients to document all health changes since exposure began, preserve water quality notices, and obtain copies of all test results and physician notes as medical evidence.

Legal experts recommend creating a comprehensive health timeline that correlates symptoms with residence near Air Force Plant 6, water consumption patterns, and any diagnoses received, as this documentation will prove invaluable when establishing causation between PFAS exposure and subsequent health conditions during the legal process.

Military service members, civilian contractors, family members, and Tucson residents exposed to PFAS-contaminated water from Air Force Plant 6 may qualify for compensation if they meet specific criteria regarding exposure duration and medical diagnoses.

The eligibility framework draws from established precedents in PFAS litigation, including the landmark C8 Science Panel findings that identified six conditions with “probable links” to PFAS exposure, forming the foundation for current legal claims across the country.

Who Can File a Claim

Service members and civilian contractors who worked at Air Force Plant 6 for at least six consecutive months after 1970 may pursue legal action if they developed qualifying health conditions linked to PFAS exposure.

Family members who lived on or near the installation, including spouses and children of military personnel or contractors, also maintain the right to file claims if they consumed contaminated water during their residence and subsequently experienced PFAS-related health impacts.

Individuals who may qualify for compensation related to PFAS contamination from Air Force Plant 6 operations in Tucson:

• Active Duty Air Force Personnel: Service members stationed at Air Force Plant 44 between 1950 and present who experienced occupational exposure through maintenance, firefighting, or training activities
• Air National Guard Members: Personnel assigned to Morris Air National Guard Base who handled AFFF during emergency response drills or aircraft operations
• Civilian Contractors and Employees: Workers employed at the facility for manufacturing, maintenance, or support services with documented exposure to PFAS-containing materials
• Military Family Members: Spouses and children who resided in base housing or consumed contaminated water from base supply systems during the contamination period
• Tucson Area Residents: Community members living within the documented 10-square-mile contamination plume who relied on affected groundwater wells for drinking water
• Airport Facility Workers: Employees of Tucson International Airport exposed to PFAS through shared groundwater systems or firefighting foam used in aircraft emergency response

Tucson residents who consumed municipal water from contaminated wells face unique eligibility considerations, as the extensive contamination plume affects neighborhoods far beyond the immediate military installation boundaries.

Individuals living in affected areas, including North of Los Reales Road, the San Xavier District, and communities near Hughes Access Road, must demonstrate at least six to twelve months of cumulative exposure through residential water consumption.

Qualifying Medical Conditions and Documentation

The C8 Science Panel’s groundbreaking research established “probable links” between PFAS exposure and six specific health conditions, creating the scientific foundation for current litigation efforts nationwide.

These findings, combined with subsequent research, have expanded the list of compensable conditions as courts recognize the growing body of evidence linking PFAS chemicals to various cancers and chronic diseases affecting multiple organ systems.

Medical conditions qualifying for PFAS litigation include:

• Kidney cancer (renal cell carcinoma)
• Testicular cancer
• Thyroid disease (hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism)
• Ulcerative colitis
• High cholesterol (hyperlipidemia)
• Pregnancy-induced hypertension (preeclampsia)
• Liver cancer (emerging evidence)
• Prostate cancer (under consideration)
• Pancreatic cancer (case-specific evaluation)

Medical documentation requirements demand comprehensive records establishing both the diagnosis and potential causation, including pathology reports confirming cancer diagnoses, treatment records detailing disease progression, and physician statements addressing possible environmental factors.

Plaintiffs strengthen their cases by providing blood test results showing elevated PFAS levels, though such testing is not mandatory for filing claims, as historical exposure can be established through residence records and water contamination data from the affected timeframe.

If you or a loved one meets these eligibility criteria after exposure to contaminated water at Air Force Plant 6, you may qualify for substantial compensation.

Contact TruLaw using the chat on this page to receive an instant case evaluation that can help you determine if you qualify to file a PFAS Water Contamination Lawsuit today.

Statute of Limitations and Filing Deadlines

Arizona law generally provides a two-year statute of limitations for personal injury claims, but the discovery rule impacts PFAS cases where health effects may not manifest for years or decades after initial exposure.

The limitations period typically begins when a plaintiff discovers or reasonably should have discovered both their injury and its potential connection to PFAS exposure, allowing individuals diagnosed years after leaving Air Force Plant 6 to still pursue legal remedies.

Legal time limits for filing PFAS contamination lawsuits vary based on several factors that determine when the clock starts and stops:

• Discovery Rule Application: The statute of limitations begins when a medical diagnosis links health conditions to PFAS exposure, rather than the date of initial contamination contact
• Minor Status Protection: Children exposed to PFAS have their filing deadline suspended until they reach age 18, allowing claims to be filed years after childhood exposure
• Federal vs. State Deadlines: Claims against military facilities follow federal tort claim procedures with strict 2-year filing requirements, while state environmental claims may allow 3-6 years
• Wrongful Death Time Limits: Families have two years from the date of death to file claims when PFAS-related cancers or illnesses result in fatality
• Continuing Violation Doctrine: Ongoing contamination exposure may reset filing deadlines with each new exposure event, particularly for residents still consuming contaminated water

The evolving nature of PFAS science means courts increasingly recognize that plaintiffs could not have reasonably discovered the connection between their water consumption and subsequent health conditions until recent years when contamination data became public.

Prompt action remains advisable once diagnosed, as delays in filing can complicate evidence preservation and witness availability while potentially limiting recovery options if global settlement negotiations advance without your participation in the consolidated proceedings.

Our PFAS Contamination attorney at TruLaw is dedicated to supporting clients through the process of filing a PFAS Contamination lawsuit.

With extensive experience in chemical exposure cases, Jessica Paluch-Hoerman and our partner law firms work with litigation leaders to prove how toxic PFAS chemicals in water supplies caused human health impacts.

TruLaw focuses on securing compensation for medical expenses, pain and suffering, property damage, lost income, and ongoing health monitoring resulting from your PFAS exposure.

We recognize the health and environmental impacts of PFAS exposure on your life and provide the personalized guidance you need when seeking justice.

Meet the Lead PFAS Contamination Attorney at TruLaw

Meet our lead PFAS Contamination attorney:

• Jessica Paluch-Hoerman: As founder and managing attorney of TruLaw, Jessica brings her experience in product liability and personal injury litigation to her client-centered approach by prioritizing open communication and personalized attention with her clients. Through TruLaw and partner law firms, Jessica has helped collect over $3 billion dollars on behalf of injured individuals across all 50 states through verdicts and negotiated settlements.

How much does hiring a PFAS Contamination lawyer from TruLaw cost?

At TruLaw, we believe financial concerns should never stand in the way of justice.

That’s why we operate on a contingency fee basis—with this approach, you only pay legal fees after you’ve been awarded compensation for your injuries.

If you or a loved one experienced health complications from exposure to PFAS-contaminated water that include forms of cancer, immune disorders, liver damage, or thyroid disease, you may be eligible to seek compensation.

Contact TruLaw using the chat on this page to receive an instant case evaluation and determine whether you qualify to join others in filing a PFAS Contamination Lawsuit today.

PFAS contamination lawsuits are being filed by individuals nationwide who experienced health problems from exposure to PFAS chemicals in drinking water, with similar contamination issues reported at facilities like Blue Grass Army Depot and McAlester Army Ammunition Plant, where veterans exposed to these chemicals face serious health risks.

TruLaw is currently accepting clients for the PFAS contamination lawsuit.

A few reasons to choose TruLaw for your PFAS contamination lawsuit include:

• If We Don’t Win, You Don’t Pay: The PFAS contamination lawyers at TruLaw and our partner firms operate on a contingency fee basis, meaning we only get paid if you win.
• Expertise: We have decades of experience handling toxic exposure cases similar to the PFAS contamination lawsuit.
• Successful Track Record: TruLaw and our partner law firms have helped our clients recover billions of dollars in compensation through verdicts and negotiated settlements.

If you or a loved one suffered health problems related to PFAS-contaminated water, you may be eligible to seek compensation.

Contact TruLaw using the chat on this page to receive an instant case evaluation that can determine if you qualify for the PFAS Contamination Lawsuit today.