New Report Shows Shocking Water Pollution Due to PFAs from U.S Military Bases

A recent report issued by the U.S. Department of Defense reveals the shocking number of military bases that are polluting, or threatening to pollute, drinking water. The report shows that at least 245 United States military bases are releasing plumes of PFAs that are contaminating or on the verge of contaminating the water of communities located near the bases. Additionally, 455 military bases are themselves contaminated by PFAs.

Source: NBC News/YouTube

PFA stands for per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances. They comprise roughly 15,000 chemical compounds which are frequently found in products that are resistant to water, grease, or stains. These compounds are known as “forever chemicals” because they do not degrade in the environment. PFAs have been linked to kidney disease, cancer, birth defects, high cholesterol, and decreased immunity.  

The study does clarify what communities or water sources are affected by these PFAs. Additionally, it does not reveal the levels of contamination. However, the number of military bases that have contaminated nearby sources of drinking water is likely to grow. This is because the Department of Defense has only inspected roughly a third of the more than 700 facilities that are believed to have contributed to “forever chemical” pollution. 

Worldwide, the military is one of the largest contributors to PFA Pollution. In large part, this is due to the use of chemical-laced firefighting foam. This foam is used during both real emergencies and training exercises. 

Currently, the military is providing safe drinking water to over 50 communities. This low number is because the military only provides alternative water sources to communities that have PFOA and PFOS levels exceeding 70 parts per trillion. PFOA and PFOS are two types of PFAs. However, the U.S Environmental Protection Agency is considering lowering the threshold at which the military would have to provide clean water to four parts per trillion. This would likely drastically increase the number of communities the Department of Defense would be obligated to supply alternative sources of water. 

Sign this petition urging the EPA to Ban the Nonessential Use of PFAs!

Related Content:

• Toilet Paper Adds to Forever Chemicals in Wastewater, New Study Finds
• Activists Call on UN to Declare PFA Pollution a Human Rights Violation
• Communities of Color Disproportionately Exposed to “Forever Chemicals” in Drinking Water, New Study Finds
• New Lawsuit Targets Toxic PFAs, or Forever Chemicals, in Plastic Food Containers
• Study Finds PFAs in Dozens of Packaged Food Products Across Restaurants and Grocery Stores 

Easy Ways to Help the Planet:

• Eat Less Meat: Download Food Monster, the largest plant-based Recipe app on the App Store, to help reduce your environmental footprint, save animals and get healthy. You can also buy a hard or soft copy of our favorite vegan cookbooks.
• Reduce Your Fast Fashion Footprint: Take initiative by standing up against fast fashion Pollution and supporting sustainable and circular brands like Tiny Rescue that raise awareness around important issues through recycled zero-waste clothing designed to be returned and remade over and over again.
• Support Independent Media: Being publicly funded gives us a greater chance to continue providing you with high-quality content. Please consider supporting us by donating!
• Sign a Petition: Your voice matters! Help turn petitions into victories by signing the latest list of must-sign petitions to help people, animals, and the planet.
• Stay Informed: Keep up with the latest news and important stories involving animals, the environment, sustainable living, food, health, and human interest topics by subscribing to our newsletter!
• Do What You Can: Reduce waste, plant trees, eat local, travel responsibly, reuse stuff, say no to single-use plastics, recycle, vote smart, switch to cold water laundry, divest from fossil fuels, save water, shop wisely, Donate if you can, grow your food, volunteer, conserve energy, compost, and don’t forget about the microplastics and microbeads lurking in common household and personal care products!