New Castle Air National Guard Base in Delaware is one of the major sources of PFAS contamination in the surrounding community and military personnel. As a result of this installation’s extensive use of aqueous film-forming foam (AFFF) for firefighting and training operations, widespread environmental contamination still threatens public health. Due to decades of routine firefighting operations where AFFF was routinely deployed, PFAS chemicals have been released into the environment inadvertently.
What toxic agents were present on New Castle Air National Guard Base?
The contamination at New Castle Air National Guard Base primarily involves PFAS chemicals released through the extensive use of AFFF during firefighting operations. Federal and state investigations have revealed alarming contamination levels. Testing conducted between 2009 and 2016 documented dangerous PFAS concentrations in local water systems, with PFOS levels reaching up to 2,300 parts per trillion in MSC water systems and PFOA concentrations reaching 440 parts per trillion in affected areas. These concentrations far exceed the EPA’s current maximum contaminant level of 4 parts per trillion, established in 2024 for PFOA and PFOS compounds.
A comprehensive CDC and Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry study in 2019 documented the extent of exposure in the affected community. Compared to national averages, the levels of PFAS in the blood of 214 participants were dramatically higher. With 99% of participants exceeding typical levels, PFHxS concentrations were 9.8 times higher than national standards. PFOS levels measured 2.9 times higher than national averages, while PFOA concentrations were 2.4 times above normal ranges. PFNA and PFDA levels were also elevated at 1.6 and 1.8 times higher, respectively.
There were multiple exposure pathways beyond drinking water, including contaminated groundwater systems, household dust samples, public water supplies, and soil surrounding the installation. Everyone who spent time at the base was potentially susceptible to serious health conditions due to this multi-pathway exposure.
What diseases can veterans develop as a consequence of PFAS exposure?
PFAS exposure has been linked to a number of serious health conditions that can develop years or even decades after exposure to PFAS. Toxic chemicals accumulate slowly in the body, damaging organs and tissues over time. Those who served at New Castle Air National Guard Base should monitor their health closely and seek immediate medical attention if they experience any concerns.
If you developed any of the following diseases while stationed at this installation for 1 cumulative year or longer, you may be eligible for compensation:
Families of those who lived on base or in contaminated areas and developed these conditions may also pursue compensation claims.