George Air Force Base PFAS Lawsuit

PFAS Contamination at George Air Force Base

The discovery of toxic contamination at George Air Force Base has left thousands of veterans and their families grappling with serious health consequences from decades of exposure to toxic chemicals in their drinking water.

Environmental testing conducted in 2018 revealed PFAS levels that exceeded EPA safety limits by more than 1,700 times, yet many who lived and worked at the base were never warned about the dangers lurking in their water supply.

Today, veterans, civilian workers, and family members who developed cancer and other serious conditions after consuming contaminated water at George AFB are pursuing legal action against chemical manufacturers responsible for producing these “forever chemicals.”

History of Chemical Exposure at George AFB (1941-1992)

George Air Force Base operated as a vital pilot training facility from 1941 to 1992, serving as home to thousands of military personnel and their families from World War II through the Cold War era.

During its 51 years of operation, the base housed advanced tactical fighter operations and trained pilots for combat missions from Vietnam through Desert Storm.

The routine use of Aqueous Film Forming Foam (AFFF) in firefighting training exercises, aircraft maintenance operations, and emergency response procedures led to widespread environmental contamination that would persist for decades after the base’s closure.

Military activities at George AFB that routinely used AFFF foam included:

• Live-fire aircraft training exercises: These high-risk simulations occurred multiple times weekly, exposing personnel to foam during fire suppression demonstrations and emergency response scenarios involving jet fuel.
• Hangar fire suppression system testing: Regular maintenance protocols required monthly system checks that released AFFF foam throughout hangar facilities, creating widespread exposure risks.
• Emergency response drills: Crash crews practiced fuel spill containment and aircraft fire suppression techniques, resulting in direct contact with AFFF chemicals during training operations.
• Equipment decontamination procedures: Military personnel used AFFF foam to clean firefighting equipment and vehicles, leading to repeated skin contact and inhalation exposure.
• Crash crew training operations: Firefighters underwent intensive training with AFFF systems, including hands-on practice with foam cannons and portable extinguishers.
• Fuel storage area fire prevention: Fixed suppression systems around fuel depots underwent quarterly testing, releasing substantial quantities of AFFF into surrounding soil, causing soil contamination and groundwater pollution.

The Air Force officially closed George AFB in December 1992 as part of the Base Realignment and Closure process, but by then, decades of AFFF use had already contaminated the soil and groundwater beneath the base.

In 1990, two years before its closure, George AFB was designated as a Superfund site by the Environmental Protection Agency, acknowledging the severe environmental contamination from PFAS and total petroleum hydrocarbons that threatened public health.

Current PFAS Levels and Environmental Testing Results

Environmental testing conducted by the Environmental Working Group in 2018 revealed catastrophic levels of PFAS contamination in groundwater at George Air Force Base, with concentrations that shocked environmental scientists and public health experts.

The testing detected combined PFOS and PFOA levels of 6,900 parts per trillion (ppt) – a staggering 1,725 times higher than the EPA’s 2024 Maximum Contaminant Level of 4 ppt for each chemical.

These findings confirmed what many veterans had long suspected: the water they drank, cooked with, and bathed in during their service was severely contaminated with toxic substances.

PFAS concentrations detected at George AFB include:

• Perfluorooctane sulfonic acid (PFOS): Measured at 1,690 parts per trillion (ppt), exceeding EPA health advisory limits by 423 times. This persistent chemical accumulates in human tissue and has been linked to kidney and testicular cancers.
• Perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA): Detected at 5,210 ppt, representing 1,302 times the EPA limit. PFOA exposure correlates with increased cholesterol levels, thyroid cancer, and pregnancy complications.
• Perfluorobutane sulfonic acid (PFBS): Found at 1,770 ppt, drastically above EPA screening levels of 2,000 ppt. Studies associate PFBS with liver damage and hormonal disruption.
• Perfluoroheptanoic acid (PFHpA): Measured at 2,480 ppt, exceeding typical background levels by hundreds of times. This compound affects reproductive health and immune system function.
• Perfluorohexanoic acid (PFHxA): Detected at 12,600 ppt, the highest concentration found on base. PFHxA persists in groundwater and contributes to developmental delays in children.
• Perfluorononanoic acid (PFNA): Found at 170 ppt, above the EPA reference dose for chronic exposure. PFNA accumulation increases risks of high cholesterol and liver enzyme elevation.

These alarming contamination levels place George AFB among the most severely PFAS-contaminated military sites in the United States.

The persistence of these “forever chemicals” means that groundwater contamination continues to pose significant health risks to surrounding communities, as PFAS compounds do not break down naturally and can remain in the environment for decades or even centuries.

Affected Areas and Water Sources Beyond the Base

The PFAS contamination at George Air Force Base extends far beyond the installation’s boundaries, creating a toxic plume that has migrated through groundwater systems into surrounding Victorville communities and residential areas.

Environmental investigations (including analysis by the Environmental Working Group) have identified contamination in private wells, municipal water supplies, and aquifers that serve thousands of residents who never set foot on the military base.

The contamination zone encompasses not only the 5,347-acre base property but also neighboring residential developments, schools, and businesses that relied on groundwater sources contaminated with various inorganic compounds.

Areas affected by PFAS contamination from George AFB include, but are not limited to:

• Base housing units: Military families lived in these residences for decades, unknowingly exposed to PFAS through drinking contaminated water, with children particularly vulnerable during critical developmental years.
• Victorville neighborhoods within 3 miles: Residential communities downstream from the base experienced groundwater contamination, affecting thousands of households that relied on municipal water systems.
• Private wells near the base perimeter: Rural property owners discovered PFAS levels exceeding federal limits in their drinking water, forcing costly transitions to bottled water or filtration systems.
• Commercial properties utilizing groundwater: Local businesses, including restaurants and manufacturing facilities, faced contamination in their water supplies, impacting both employees and customers who experienced adverse health effects.
• Agricultural lands: Farms using contaminated irrigation water inadvertently spread PFAS through crops and livestock, creating potential food chain exposure pathways for consumers.
• Recreational areas: Parks, playgrounds, and community centers where families gathered became exposure sites through contaminated soil and water features, placing children at risk during outdoor activities.

Hydrogeological studies indicate that PFAS-contaminated groundwater continues to migrate through underground aquifers, potentially affecting new areas as the plume spreads through contaminated sites.

Current water treatment and cleanup efforts by the City of Victorville have attempted to address PFAS contamination in municipal supplies, but many private well owners remain unaware of the risks they face from PFAS exposure.

If you or a loved one lived or worked at George Air Force Base and developed kidney cancer, thyroid disease, or other serious health conditions after exposure to contaminated water, 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 George Air Force Base PFAS Lawsuit today.

Health Conditions Linked to George AFB PFAS Exposure

The severe health issues linked to PFAS exposure at George Air Force Base represent a devastating legacy for thousands of veterans and their families who trusted that their drinking water was safe.

Scientific research from the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR) and the Environmental Protection Agency has established clear connections between PFAS exposure and numerous life-threatening illnesses, validating the experiences of those who have suffered for years with unexplained health problems.

Veterans who consumed contaminated water at George AFB now face increased risks of cancer, organ damage, and chronic diseases that have forever altered their lives and the lives of their loved ones.

Qualifying Cancer Diagnoses for PFAS Claims

Medical research has definitively linked PFAS exposure to several types of cancer, with kidney cancer, testicular cancer, and prostate cancer showing the strongest associations in veterans exposed to contaminated drinking water.

The National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine found “sufficient evidence” connecting PFAS exposure to kidney cancer, while both ATSDR and EPA studies confirm elevated cancer risks among populations with high PFAS blood levels.

Veterans stationed at George AFB who developed these cancers often did so at younger ages than typical, suggesting that their military service and exposure to toxic chemicals played a direct role in their diagnoses.

Qualifying cancer types for PFAS litigation include, but are not limited to:

• Kidney cancer (renal cell carcinoma)
• Testicular cancer
• Prostate cancer
• Pancreatic cancer
• Liver cancer
• Bladder cancer
• Breast cancer
• Lung cancer

The mechanism by which PFAS causes cancer involves the chemicals’ ability to disrupt cellular function and interfere with the body’s natural tumor-suppressing processes.

PFAS compounds accumulate in specific organs over time, with the kidneys and liver bearing particularly high concentrations due to their role in filtering blood.

Studies show that veterans with PFAS blood levels above 20 nanograms per milliliter face elevated cancer risks, and many George AFB personnel likely had exposures far exceeding these thresholds given the extreme contamination levels detected at the base.

Non-Cancer Health Conditions and Immune System Impacts

Beyond cancer, PFAS exposure at George AFB has been linked to a devastating array of chronic health conditions that affect multiple organ systems and compromise the body’s ability to fight disease.

Thyroid disease affects thousands of veterans exposed to PFAS, disrupting hormone production and causing symptoms ranging from chronic fatigue to heart palpitations.

Ulcerative colitis, a painful inflammatory bowel disease, has emerged in many former base residents, while others struggle with dangerously high cholesterol levels that resist traditional treatment methods.

Non-cancer conditions linked to PFAS exposure include, but are not limited to:

• Thyroid disease (hypothyroidism, hyperthyroidism, Hashimoto’s disease)
• Ulcerative colitis and inflammatory bowel disease
• High cholesterol (hyperlipidemia)
• Liver damage and elevated liver enzymes
• Immune system dysfunction
• Decreased vaccine response
• Pregnancy-induced hypertension and preeclampsia
• Fertility problems and reproductive disorders
• Birth defects
• Reproductive issues

The impact of PFAS on the immune system represents one of the most insidious adverse health effects of exposure, leaving veterans vulnerable to infections and reducing their body’s ability to respond to vaccines.

ATSDR research shows that PFAS interferes with antibody production and T-cell function, essentially weakening the body’s natural defenses.

This immune suppression may explain why many George AFB veterans report frequent illnesses, slow wound healing, and increased susceptibility to infections that healthy individuals would easily fight off.

Special Risks for Vulnerable Populations

Children who lived on George Air Force Base and pregnant women stationed or residing there faced heightened health risks from PFAS exposure due to their increased vulnerability during developmental periods, which raised concerns among medical experts.

Infants and young children absorb PFAS more readily than adults and eliminate it more slowly, leading to higher body burdens that can affect growth, learning, and immune system development.

Pregnant women exposed to contaminated drinking water at George AFB passed PFAS to their developing babies through the placenta and later through breast milk, creating multi-generational health impacts.

Vulnerable populations at increased risk include, but are not limited to:

• Pregnant women and nursing mothers
• Infants and young children
• Developing fetuses exposed in utero
• Individuals with pre-existing kidney or liver conditions
• Immunocompromised individuals
• Personnel who worked directly with AFFF foam

Scientific studies document alarming rates of pregnancy complications among women exposed to PFAS at military bases, including increased risks of gestational diabetes, preeclampsia, and low birth weight deliveries.

Children born to parents stationed at George AFB show higher rates of developmental delays, attention disorders, and immune system problems compared to unexposed populations.

The National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) has been tracking PFAS levels in the U.S. population since 1999, revealing widespread exposure and confirming that military families face particularly high risks.

If you or a loved one served at George Air Force Base and developed cancer, thyroid disease, or other serious health conditions linked to PFAS exposure, you deserve answers and compensation for your suffering.

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 George Air Force Base PFAS Lawsuit today.

How Can A PFAS Contamination Attorney from TruLaw Help You?

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 you harm.

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 understand the health and environmental impacts of PFAS exposure on your life and provide the personalized guidance you need when seeking justice with experienced legal professionals.

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 through your legal claim.

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 a free consultation and determine whether you qualify to join others in filing a PFAS Contamination Lawsuit today.

TruLaw: Accepting Clients for the PFAS Contamination Lawsuit

PFAS contamination lawsuits are being filed by individuals nationwide who experienced health problems from exposure to PFAS chemicals in drinking water.

TruLaw is currently accepting clients for the PFAS contamination lawsuit with our dedicated legal team.

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.