Wurtsmith Air Force Base PFAS Lawsuit

EPA Standards for PFAS Levels in Water

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) established the first national drinking water standards for PFAS chemicals.

These new regulations aim to reduce PFAS exposure for approximately 100 million people and prevent thousands of deaths and serious illnesses by focusing on drinking water supplies.

Michigan has been at the forefront of PFAS regulation, often implementing stricter standards than federal guidelines.

The Air Force’s efforts to address PFAS contamination have been a critical part of these regulatory changes.

For Wurtsmith AFB specifically, state regulators have called for maximum levels of 0.02 ppt for PFOS and 0.004 ppt for PFOA, significantly lower than previous standards.

The EPA’s regulation requires public water systems to monitor for these chemicals and take immediate action when levels exceed these limits, with additional requirements for industrial discharge limits and wastewater treatment.

Health Effects of PFAS Exposure: Symptoms & Conditions

Scientific research has linked PFAS exposure to numerous serious health conditions, particularly concerning for communities around Wurtsmith AFB where contamination levels far exceed safety standards.

According to medical studies and health agency documentation, PFAS exposure can lead to:

• Bladder cancer
• Testicular cancer
• Kidney cancer
• Thyroid cancer
• Thyroid disease
• Immune system dysfunction
• Liver damage
• Reproductive issues
• Developmental effects
• Increased cholesterol levels
• Other serious health conditions

The severity and likelihood of these health effects correlate with both exposure levels and duration.

For communities around Wurtsmith AFB, where PFAS levels have been documented at up to 213,000 parts per trillion, these health risks are particularly significant.

Potential Defendants in PFAS Lawsuits

Several major manufacturers and chemical companies face legal action for their role in PFAS contamination at military installations including Wurtsmith AFB.

Primary PFAS manufacturers include, but are not limited to:

• 3M Company
• DuPont (and its spinoff, Chemours)
• Tyco Fire Products
• Chemguard
• Kidde-Fenwal
• National Foam
• Buckeye Fire Equipment

These companies manufactured PFAS chemicals despite allegedly knowing about their potential health risks.

The lawsuits argue that these manufacturers continued producing and selling PFAS-containing products without adequate warnings about their dangers or proper guidance for safe disposal.

Military bases like Wurtsmith AFB used AFFF containing PFAS chemicals from these manufacturers for decades in firefighting operations and training exercises, leading to widespread contamination of soil and groundwater.

Official EPA and Military Reports on Wurtsmith AFB PFAS

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and Department of Defense have conducted extensive investigations into PFAS contamination at Wurtsmith Air Force Base.

The installation of groundwater treatment systems has been a key part of the mitigation efforts.

According to DoD records released in 2021, investigations revealed significant PFAS contamination, with groundwater testing showing PFAS levels up to 213,000 parts per trillion, far exceeding current safety standards.

Investigation efforts have included sampling of both public and private wells, with studies examining two public wells and 54 private wells in the surrounding area.

The Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE) continues to oversee testing and remediation efforts, though disputes with the Air Force over cleanup standards persist.

Recent reports have prompted expanded investigation and remediation efforts, with the Air Force announcing new initiatives to prevent additional PFAS spread around the former base.

Timeline of PFAS Investigation at Wurtsmith AFB

Former Wurtsmith Air Force has been the subject of ongoing environmental investigations and remediation efforts concerning PFAS contamination.

Environmental agencies and military investigators have documented the progression of testing, analysis, and remediation efforts throughout this period.

The PFAS contamination created by military activities has been a major focus of these efforts.

Key events in the investigation include:

• 1980s: Initial identification of environmental contamination at the base
• 2010: EGLE discovers PFAS contamination during fire training area sampling
• 2021: DoD reveals groundwater contamination levels up to 213,000 ppt
• 2023: Air Force announces expanded cleanup efforts
• 2024: Implementation of new treatment systems and extraction well maintenance

Expert Testimonies and Scientific Evidence

Environmental scientists and health experts have provided extensive documentation of PFAS contamination at Wurtsmith AFB through comprehensive studies and analysis.

Their findings have been important in understanding the scope of contamination and its potential health impacts on local communities.

Scientific studies and expert findings confirm:

• Groundwater contamination: Levels thousands of times above EPA standards
• Drinking water impact: Multiple wells showing unsafe PFAS concentrations
• Spread patterns: Documented migration through soil and groundwater systems
• Treatment effectiveness: Ongoing evaluation of remediation methods
• Health implications: Evidence of exposure risks to base personnel and residents

Recent environmental assessments conducted in early 2024 have led to updated remediation plans, though cleanup efforts continue to face challenges due to disagreements between state and federal agencies over appropriate standards and methods.

Do You Qualify for a Wurtsmith Air Force Base PFAS Lawsuit?

Individuals who were exposed to PFAS-contaminated water at Wurtsmith Air Force Base may be eligible to file a claim for compensation.

The qualification process requires documenting both exposure to contaminated drinking water and diagnosis of qualifying health conditions.

Environmental testing has confirmed widespread PFAS contamination in both public and private wells around the base, with levels far exceeding EPA safety standards.

This contamination affects military personnel, civilian employees, and residents who lived or worked at or near Wurtsmith AFB.

Legal experts are currently reviewing cases for individuals who may have been exposed to contaminated water through drinking, bathing, or other daily activities while at or near the base.

Steps to Take If You’ve Been Exposed to PFAS

The first step for anyone potentially exposed to PFAS at Wurtsmith AFB is to document their exposure history and seek appropriate medical evaluation.

Early detection and documentation of health issues can be crucial for both medical care and legal claims.

Important actions for those exposed to PFAS include:

• Medical screening: Schedule comprehensive health evaluations
• Water testing: Request testing of current water sources if you live near the base
• Exposure documentation: Record dates and duration of time spent at Wurtsmith AFB
• Symptom tracking: Keep detailed records of any health changes or concerns
• Healthcare provider communication: Inform your doctors about potential PFAS exposure

Taking these steps promptly can significantly strengthen your claim and ensure you receive appropriate medical care.

Many PFAS-related health conditions develop gradually, making early documentation and ongoing monitoring essential for establishing the connection between exposure and health impacts.

Collecting Medical Records for a PFAS Claim

Proper documentation is essential for building a strong PFAS lawsuit case.

Medical records serve as evidence linking exposure to health conditions and documenting the progression of related medical issues.

The documentation process should be thorough and ongoing.

Required documentation typically includes:

• Service records: Proof of military service or employment at Wurtsmith AFB
• Residency verification: Evidence of living on or near the base
• Medical diagnoses: Records of qualifying health conditions
• Treatment history: Documentation of ongoing medical care
• Expert opinions: Statements from healthcare providers about PFAS-related conditions

Working with experienced attorneys can help ensure all necessary documentation is properly collected and organized.

Legal teams often have established relationships with medical experts who understand PFAS exposure and can help strengthen the connection between contamination and health issues in your claim.

TruLaw: Accepting Clients with PFAS Water Contamination Lawsuit Claims

PFAS water contamination lawsuit claims are being filed by individuals and communities across the country who have been exposed to toxic PFAS chemicals in their drinking water.

TruLaw is currently accepting clients with PFAS water contamination lawsuit claims.

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

• If We Don’t Win, You Don’t Pay: The PFAS lawyers at TruLaw and our partner firms operate on a contingency fee basis, meaning we only get paid if you win.
• Expertise: We have years of experience handling environmental contamination cases similar to the PFAS water contamination lawsuits, which helps us anticipate what we can expect to see in your case and the regulations we will be required to meet.
• 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 your community has been exposed to PFAS chemicals in your drinking 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 to join others in filing a PFAS water contamination lawsuit claim today.