Loring Air Force Base PFAS Lawsuit
- Last Updated: July 21st, 2025
Attorney Jessica Paluch-Hoerman, founder of TruLaw, has over 28 years of experience as a personal injury and mass tort attorney, and previously worked as an international tax attorney at Deloitte. Jessie collaborates with attorneys nationwide — enabling her to share reliable, up-to-date legal information with our readers.
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This article has been written and reviewed for legal accuracy and clarity by the team of writers and legal experts at TruLaw and is as accurate as possible. This content should not be taken as legal advice from an attorney. If you would like to learn more about our owner and experienced injury lawyer, Jessie Paluch, you can do so here.
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Key takeaways:
- Loring Air Force Base in northeastern Maine recorded catastrophic PFAS contamination reaching 11,000 parts per trillion from decades of firefighting foam use - 2,234 times above EPA drinking water limits - affecting Limestone, Caribou, and Fort Fairfield communities.
- Military veterans stationed at Loring AFB, civilian base employees, dependent families in base housing, and approximately 3,500 Maine residents exposed to contaminated drinking water between 1953-1994 may qualify for legal compensation ranging from $125,000 to $450,000.
- Long-term PFAS exposure at Loring AFB from Strategic Air Command operations causes kidney cancer, testicular cancer, thyroid disease, elevated cholesterol levels, and pregnancy complications, with Maine's lawsuit filing deadline set for December 31, 2026.
What is the Loring Air Force Base PFAS Lawsuit?
Question: What is the Loring Air Force Base PFAS lawsuit?
Answer: The Loring Air Force Base PFAS lawsuit represents personal injury claims filed by military personnel, civilian employees, and family members who developed cancer after exposure to contaminated water at this Maine military installation.
Plaintiffs allege that decades of aqueous film forming foam (AFFF) use for firefighting training and aircraft operations at Loring resulted in PFAS contamination of drinking water, groundwater, and soil, causing cancer in affected individuals who lived or worked on base.
On this page, we’ll discuss this question in further depth, health risks associated with PFAS exposure at military bases, and much more.
Loring’s Legacy in Maine PFAS Contamination
Loring Air Force Base in northeastern Maine has emerged as a major PFAS contamination site following decades of strategic bomber operations during the Cold War, with ongoing Air Force investigations revealing substantial contamination across 21 of 22 tested sites.
Established in 1953 as a Strategic Air Command installation, Loring housed B-36 Peacemaker and B-52 Stratofortress bombers capable of carrying nuclear payloads, requiring extensive firefighting foam use for aircraft operations, maintenance activities, and emergency response training throughout its operational history.
The base’s closure in 1994 under the BRAC program has not ended the contamination concerns, as recent PFAS testing shows chemicals have spread to local waterways, requiring fish consumption advisories for Durepo Reservoir and affecting redevelopment plans for the former installation.
If you or someone you love has cancer linked to service at Loring Air Force Base, 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 Lawsuit today.
Table of Contents
History of AFFF Use at Loring Air Force Base
Loring AFB served as a Strategic Air Command installation from 1953 to 1994, where routine aircraft operations required extensive use of aqueous film forming foam for fire suppression training and emergency response.
The Air Force regularly deployed AFFF containing harmful substances during fire training exercises at designated burn pits, aircraft hangar fire suppression system testing, emergency response drills for crash scenarios, routine equipment maintenance procedures, and actual aircraft fire incidents requiring immediate response.
Although the base closed under BRAC in 1994, PFAS chemicals from firefighting foam continue to persist in soil and groundwater throughout the former air force installation.
Environmental testing conducted by WSP consultants has detected over 70 different PFAS varieties originally produced by various PFAS manufacturers in samples, with perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS) reaching concentrations up to 11,000 parts per trillion in certain flow fields near the former fire training area.
PFAS Contamination Levels and Testing Results
Testing conducted in 2018 revealed alarming PFOS levels at 8,770 parts per trillion and PFOA at 811 ppt, creating a combined total of 8,936 ppt compared to the Environmental Protection Agency’s current health advisory limit of 4 ppt.
Recent 2024 investigations have identified four distinct groundwater flow fields with varying contamination levels, ranging from Flow Field 1 in the northeast showing up to 11,000 ppt PFOS near fire training areas, to other fields showing ranges from 40 to over 4,000 ppt depending on proximity to source areas.
The Environmental Working Group continues monitoring these sites while WSP researchers presented findings to Limestone residents in August 2024, explaining how PFAS chemicals migrate through groundwater pathways.
Final remediation reports are expected by fall 2026, though cleanup efforts face significant technical and financial challenges given the persistence of these compounds.
Geographic Scope of Contamination Beyond Base Boundaries
PFAS contamination has migrated through groundwater pathways to affect residential areas in Limestone, Caswell, and Caribou, potentially impacting thousands of residents who rely on local drinking water supplies.
The contamination threatens multiple waterways including:
- Lakes and Ponds: East Loring Lake, Chapman Pit, and Durepo Pond show PFAS pollution with testing revealing “forever chemicals” spreading into nearby water bodies
- Streams and Brooks: Greenlaw Brook and Limestone Stream with Maine DEP fish consumption advisories limiting intake to no more than four meals per year of brook trout
- Agricultural Systems: Central Aroostook Soil & Water Conservation District conducting grant-funded studies of irrigation networks and farm crops to assess PFAS spread
- Residential Wells: 39 private water sources tested in Limestone, Caswell and Caribou since 2022, with PFOS and PFOA detected below EPA’s 4 ppt standard
- Wetland Areas: Surrounding marshlands showing PFAS accumulation as chemicals move from surface water to soils, then groundwater contamination, seeping into sediments
Maine Department of Environmental Protection has issued fish consumption advisories for Limestone Stream and Durepo Pond, warning against eating more than four meals per year of brook trout due to bioaccumulation concerns.
The Central Aroostook Soil & Water Conservation District recently launched studies to assess PFAS spread in agricultural lands, recognizing the potential impact on farming operations throughout the region.
Health Risks Associated with PFAS Exposure at Military Bases
PFAS chemicals bioaccumulate in the human body over time and have been linked to serious health conditions by the CDC, EPA, and National Academy of Sciences.
Military personnel and nearby residents who consumed contaminated water for years face elevated risks for certain cancers and chronic diseases, with studies showing that PFAS interfere with hormone regulation, immune function, and cellular processes at the molecular level.
Cancer Risks from Long-Term PFAS Exposure
Scientific studies have established connections between PFAS exposure and increased risks of multiple cancers, with military personnel facing particularly high exposure levels during service at contaminated installations.
A 2023 systematic review and meta-analysis found that high PFAS exposure more than doubles testicular cancer risk (122% increase, RR=2.22) and increases kidney cancer risk by 74% (RR=1.74) in heavily exposed populations. The same analysis found that overall PFAS exposure is associated with an 18% increased risk of kidney cancer across all exposure levels.
A review published in 2021 demonstrated that for every 10 ng/mL increase in serum PFOA specifically, kidney cancer risk increases by 16% and testicular cancer risk increases by 3%, based on meta-analysis of epidemiological studies.
The C8 Science Panel and other research bodies have established probable links between PFAS exposure and kidney and testicular cancers, while the 2023 meta-analysis found no significant association with liver cancer. Studies on prostate cancer and pancreatic cancers show emerging evidence requiring further investigation.
Similar cancer clusters have emerged at Warren Air Force Base, Holloman Air Force Base, and other installations where AFFF was extensively used, prompting ongoing VA investigations into connections between contamination and health outcomes.
Non-Cancer Health Conditions Linked to PFAS
PFAS exposure affects multiple body systems beyond cancer risk, causing thyroid disease, immune system suppression, liver damage, and reproductive issues according to comprehensive research.
Documented health conditions include thyroid hormone disruption and metabolic disorders, high cholesterol and cardiovascular disease, decreased fertility and pregnancy complications, ulcerative colitis and inflammatory bowel conditions, reduced vaccine efficacy and compromised immunity, and developmental delays in children exposed in utero.
Breast cancer rates also show concerning elevations among women exposed to PFAS-contaminated drinking water, while pregnant women face increased risks of pregnancy-induced hypertension.
These effects mirror patterns documented at Ellsworth Air Force Base, Sawyer Air Force Base, and Cannon Air Force Base communities.
Vulnerable Populations at Higher Risk
Firefighters with direct AFFF exposure, pregnant women, children, and long-term base residents represent populations facing the highest health risks from PFAS contamination.
Individuals identified as most vulnerable to PFAS exposure effects include the following groups:
- Firefighters – Military firefighters exposed when using AFFF to extinguish jet fuel fires
- Base Housing Families – DOD identified contamination affecting service members, families, and anyone living on or near bases
- Children – Drink more water per pound of body weight, increasing PFAS exposure risk
- Maintenance Personnel – 35-year use of AFFF at bases created occupational exposure during equipment operations
- Pregnant Women – Tend to drink more water per pound of body weight, resulting in higher PFAS exposure
Those with compromised immune systems and individuals who consumed PFAS contaminated drinking water for extended periods may have blood serum levels exceeding general population baselines by 10-50 times.
Veterans from Rock Air Force Base, Wurtsmith Air Force Base, and other affected installations face similar exposure profiles requiring ongoing health monitoring.
If you or someone you love has cancer linked to service at Loring Air Force Base, 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.
Legal Rights for Veterans and Civilians Exposed to PFAS at Loring AFB
While VA has not established presumptive service connection for PFAS exposure, affected veterans and civilians can pursue individual lawsuits against AFFF manufacturers through the established legal process.
Legal options differ based on exposure duration, contamination levels documented through blood testing, and specific health conditions developed, with emerging case law supporting claims for various cancer types including significant PFAS contamination impacts.
Who Qualifies to File a PFAS Lawsuit?
Military personnel stationed at Loring between 1953-1994, civilian base employees, families residing in base housing, and nearby residents with contaminated wells may qualify for financial compensation through litigation.
Eligible groups seeking legal remedies include:
- Active Duty Personnel: Air Force members with documented Loring AFB assignments
- Guard and Reserve: National Guard and Reserve members who completed training cycles
- Civilian Contractors: Base employees with verified workplace exposure history
- Military Dependents: Family members who lived in contaminated base housing
- Local Residents: Community members with contaminated private well testing results
- Agricultural Workers: Farmers and workers using contaminated irrigation systems
Proof requirements include service records, base housing documentation, medical records showing PFAS-related conditions, and evidence linking exposure to diagnosed illnesses.
Veterans from Brunswick Naval Air Station, Tinker Air Force Base, and similar installations face comparable documentation requirements when pursuing claims.
Types of Compensation Available in PFAS Claims
PFAS lawsuit compensation encompasses coverage for past and future medical expenses, pain and suffering damages, lost wages, and property value diminution for affected homeowners.
Available compensation includes medical treatment costs including specialized cancer care, lost wages and diminished earning capacity from illness, pain and suffering damages for reduced quality of life, property damage for homes with contaminated wells, wrongful death benefits for surviving family members, and future medical monitoring with preventive care costs.
Families who lost loved ones to PFAS-related cancers may pursue wrongful death claims while joining multi-district litigation proceedings offers streamlined case handling.
Compensation structures mirror those available at Nellis Air Force Base, Pease Air Force Base, and Horsham Air Guard Station cases currently progressing through federal courts.
Building Your PFAS Exposure Case
Comprehensive documentation establishes exposure history connecting diagnosed health conditions to PFAS contamination at former military installations like Loring AFB.
Both military service verification and medical evidence demonstrating causation between exposure and illness prove vital for successful claims, requiring careful compilation of records spanning decades of potential exposure at the air force plant.
Documenting Military Service and Base Residence
Veterans should obtain DD-214 forms, base housing records, and duty station orders through National Archives requests proving presence at Loring AFB during contamination periods.
Military and civilian evidence supporting PFAS claims from Loring AFB includes:
- Service Record: DD Form 214 showing dates at Loring AFB
- Housing Proof: Military housing assignment paperwork
- Family Documentation: Dependent ID cards for family members
- Orders: Unit assignment and transfer documentation
- Employment Verification: Civilian contractor work records
- Temporary Duty: TDY orders for contaminated sites
Civilian employees need employment records from base contractors while dependent family members should gather sponsor information establishing their connection to base operations.
Documentation requirements match those needed for claims involving England Air Force Base and Eaker Air Force Base exposures.
Medical Evidence and Health Documentation
Diagnostic records showing PFAS-related conditions, blood testing results measuring current PFAS levels, and specialist evaluations linking health problems to chemical exposure strengthen legal claims substantially.
Important types of medical evidence required to build a strong PFAS lawsuit include:
- Laboratory Results: EPA’s 2024 standards require testing for PFOA, PFOS, PFNA, PFHxS, and GenX chemicals
- Medical Opinions: Expert testimony is important for demonstrating significant health risks and higher settlements
- VA Records: Veterans may file disability compensation claims though no presumptions currently exist for PFAS exposure under the PACT Act
- Treatment History: Comprehensive evidence including environmental tests and medical documentation required
- Expert Analysis: Plaintiff expert reports detail how PFAS chemicals cause cancer, influencing settlement negotiations
VA disability ratings for related conditions combined with expert medical testimony help establish causation between environmental protection failures and diagnosed health conditions.
Veterans exposed at other military bases face similar evidentiary requirements when pursuing contamination claims through established legal channels.
If you or someone you love has cancer linked to service at Loring Air Force Base, 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.
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 profound impacts of PFAS exposure on human health 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.
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.
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.
PFAS Contamination Lawsuit Frequently Asked Questions
Managing Attorney & Owner
With over 25 years of legal experience, Jessica Paluch-Hoerman is an Illinois lawyer, a CPA, and a mother of three. She spent the first decade of her career working as an international tax attorney at Deloitte.
In 2009, Jessie co-founded her own law firm with her husband – which has scaled to over 30 employees since its conception.
In 2016, Jessie founded TruLaw, which allows her to collaborate with attorneys and legal experts across the United States on a daily basis. This hypervaluable network of experts is what enables her to share the most reliable, accurate, and up-to-date legal information with our readers!
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Here, at TruLaw, we’re committed to helping victims get the justice they deserve.
Alongside our partner law firms, we have successfully collected over $3 Billion in verdicts and settlements on behalf of injured individuals.
Would you like our help?
