Military Families Beware: The Real Risk of PFAS in Base Water

PFAS and Military Families: Why It Matters

Imagine a world where the products we rely on every day—from the non-stick pans in our kitchens to the waterproof jackets we wear—are quietly poisoning the very environment we live in. Welcome to the hidden nightmare of PFAS—per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances—better known as "forever chemicals."

These synthetic compounds are nearly indestructible, refusing to break down in our environment or our bodies for decades if not centuries. They seep into our water, soil, and food, accumulating in ways we’re just beginning to understand. As a result, PFAS contamination has spiraled into one of the most insidious and long-lasting environmental threats of our time. The worst part? We’ve been living with them all along, unknowingly exposing ourselves and future generations to their harmful effects.

Startling news reports have revealed that a massive 245 U.S. military bases have confirmed PFAS contamination.

For people living near military bases or other industrial areas, the risk of PFAS contamination is particularly concerning because these chemicals can enter the drinking water supply, exposing entire communities to potential health hazards.

720 Military Sites With Known or Suspected Discharges of PFAS – More than 700 U.S. military sites are known or likely to have discharged toxic fluorinated chemicals called PFAS, typically from the use of PFAS-based firefighting foam, according to Defense Department data compiled and mapped by EWG—source: EWG Interactive map.

---

Understanding the PFAS Threat and How to Protect Our Communities

Used in firefighting foams on military bases, PFAS has seeped into drinking water at hundreds of sites across the country, leaving many who serve and protect at significant risk. Without natural breakdown, PFAS accumulate, leading to potentially life-threatening health problems.

As contamination rates rise, we must understand PFAS, recognize their impact, and find ways to eliminate these toxic substances from our communities—starting with military bases. By learning about filtration solutions and advocating for cleanup efforts, we can help protect those who have served from further exposure.

Are PFAS Harmful? Key Health Risks

 PFAS chemicals, once used in firefighting foam, are contaminating water at military bases worldwide, posing serious health risks including:

• Cancer – PFAS exposure is linked to higher risks of kidney and testicular cancer, as well as other types potentially associated with long-term exposure.
• Liver Damage – PFAS can impair liver function, leading to issues such as fatty liver disease, which can result in long-term organ damage if left untreated.
• Immune System Suppression – Exposure weakens immune defenses, potentially making the body more vulnerable to infections and reducing vaccine effectiveness.
• Hormonal Disruption – PFAS chemicals can interfere with hormone regulation, impacting reproductive health, thyroid function, and metabolic processes.
• Developmental Risks – Infants and young children are particularly vulnerable to PFAS exposure, which can lead to developmental delays and impact learning and behavior.
• Increased Cholesterol Levels – Studies have found that PFAS exposure is associated with elevated cholesterol levels, which is a risk factor for heart disease.
• Kidney and Bladder Issues – PFAS may increase the risk of kidney stones and other kidney-related issues over time, posing additional health concerns.

The scope of PFAS contamination, especially in military towns and bases, is alarming. Communities near these sites are subject to PFAS in water and represent an urgent public health risk. Given the variety of health impacts linked to PFAS, it’s clear that addressing and mitigating exposure is critical.

The Global Reach of PFAS

The issue extends far beyond U.S. military bases. PFAS contamination has been detected in water supplies worldwide, from small towns to major cities. As regulations around these chemicals slowly catch up, many communities grapple with the health impacts of decades of exposure.

Where Else Are PFAS Found?

PFAS are widespread and found in so many parts of our day-to-day life. Key sources include:

1. Drinking Water – Groundwater near industrial sites and manufacturing facilities often has high PFAS levels. Products containing them are often spilled into the ground, lakes, and rivers, moving their way into water wells and drinking water supplies. More children, homes, schools, and businesses are drinking PFAS-infested water now more than ever.
2. Consumer Products – PFAS are commonly used in household items like nonstick cookware, stain-resistant fabrics, water-repellent clothing, and food packaging. These products can release PFAS into indoor air, dust, and wastewater, contributing to long-term exposure in homes and businesses.
3. Landfills and Waste Sites – Discarded items containing PFAS, such as packaging materials and treated fabrics, can leach these chemicals into soil and water at landfills. This contamination can spread through groundwater, affecting nearby water supplies in residential areas.
4. Industrial Discharges – Facilities that manufacture or use PFAS, such as chemical plants and certain manufacturing sites, can release PFAS into nearby rivers, lakes, and soil, affecting water supplies even in areas far from manufacturing sites.

With PFAS detected in everything from household dust to waterways near industrial plants, the scope of contamination affects many communities across the country, well beyond military locations.

The issue of PFAS contamination extends beyond individual households to entire communities, particularly those near military bases with confirmed PFAS exposure. Some of the worst military bases with high PFAS levels have been linked to health risks, including varying types of cancer, among residents in surrounding areas. Despite these risks, only a portion of suspected contaminated military bases has been investigated, leaving many military towns unknowingly exposed to potential health threats.

EWG’s Call to Action on PFAS in Military Towns

Organizations like the Environmental Working Group (EWG) have long urged the government to address PFAS contamination in drinking water. Their push for greater transparency includes a call for a complete list of military bases linked to cancer risks due to PFAS exposure. Incomplete investigations by the DoD, with only a third of over 700 sites assessed, emphasize the scale of the issue. Communities near these military bases need clear information, as the risk of PFAS in water is significant.

Does Reverse Osmosis Remove PFAS?

Reverse osmosis (RO) systems are among the most effective ways to remove PFAS from water. Here’s how it works:

1. Separation by Size – RO membranes have tiny pores that block larger molecules, including most PFAS compounds, effectively removing them from drinking water.
2. Effectiveness – Quality RO systems can eliminate up to 90-99% of PFAS, providing a solution to PFAS military bases water contamination.
3. Additional Filtration – Many RO systems use pre- or post-filters, like activated carbon, which further enhance PFAS removal.

An RO system is an excellent investment for homeowners concerned about PFAS contamination. Whole-house water filtration systems that include RO can significantly reduce PFAS levels in your water, protecting your family from the health risks associated with PFAS exposure.

Shop Reverse Osmosis Systems Bundles

Best Water Filters for PFAS Removal

To help protect against PFAS exposure, here are some of our top recommended water filtration options known for their effectiveness and reliability that we have here in our shop:

1. Pro+Aqua Elite Gen2 Whole House Filtration System

Shop Now

• Overview: This whole-home system filters all incoming water, removing harmful contaminants like PFAS, lead, and mercury, ensuring safer water throughout the house.
• Key Features:

• Comprehensive filtration for every tap, ideal for larger households.
• High flow rate without reducing water pressure.
• Reduces buildup in appliances, extending their lifespan and improving efficiency.

• Benefits:

• Provides clean, filtered water for all household needs.
• Protects household appliances by reducing scale and sediment buildup.
• Improves water quality for bathing, cooking, and pets.

2. iFilters Whole House Filtration System - XWH-600

Shop Now

This versatile system is ideal for residential and commercial use, employing coconut-activated carbon to effectively reduce PFAS and other impurities.

• Key Features:

• Suitable for homes, restaurants, and various commercial spaces.
• Uses activated carbon to capture contaminants efficiently.
• Reduces maintenance costs for appliances by minimizing sediment and chemical exposure.

• Benefits:

• Delivers clean water to every tap in the home.
• Protects water-using appliances, enhancing durability and performance.
• Provides safe, high-quality water for daily household use.

3. Pro+Aqua Premium Reverse Osmosis (RO) System

Shop Now

• Overview: This under-sink RO system removes up to 98.9% of contaminants, producing high-quality, purified water ideal for drinking and cooking.
• Key Features:

• High-efficiency membrane for superior PFAS filtration.
• Compact design fits neatly under the sink for easy installation.
• Provides a consistent supply of purified water for family use.

• Benefits:

• Ensures safe, great-tasting drinking water.
• Low maintenance, reliable, and easy to install.
• Suitable for households looking for high-quality, point-of-use filtration.

When selecting a water filtration system, it’s essential to consider your household’s specific water quality needs, the system’s capacity, and maintenance requirements. Investing in a recommended filtration solution is a proactive step in providing your household with clean, safe water.

FAQs on PFAS and Military Base Contamination

1. What are PFAS chemicals used for?

• PFAS are used in many consumer products, including nonstick cookware, firefighting foams, and stain-resistant fabrics.

2. How long do PFAS stay in the environment?

• PFAS are “forever chemicals,” persisting in the environment for years or even decades without breaking down.

3. What health risks are associated with PFAS exposure?

• Health risks include cancer, liver damage, immune system suppression, and developmental delays in children.

4. Where can I find a list of military bases linked to PFAS contamination?

• Government agencies and advocacy groups are pushing for more transparency on military bases linked to PFAS and related health risks.

5. Are there regulations for PFAS in drinking water?

• While some states have set standards, nationwide regulations are still in progress.

The Urgent Need for Action

As the evidence keeps piling up, it’s clear: urgent action is needed to reduce PFAS exposure—before more people, including you and your family, are affected. Whether through stronger regulations, better filtration systems, or raising awareness, we must act now to protect those already dealing with the toxic effects of these chemicals. Investing in filtration systems, such as those with activated carbon and reverse osmosis filters, can protect your health and ensure safe drinking water. Without quick intervention, the health risks linked to PFAS will continue to harm entire communities, threatening everyone.

Want to learn more about other harmful contaminants in your water? Click here to find out what could be lurking in your tap water.

This isn’t just about protecting our health today—it’s about stopping irreversible damage in the future. We can’t afford to wait any longer. This crisis impacts us all, and it’s time for real change. We need attention, accountability, and swift action to protect ourselves and our loved ones.