130 US military bases have contaminated soil and water (Vitamin D fights most of the contaminants)
Health Issues Associated with Living Near US Military Bases Globally - May 2026
Common contaminants: Across the 130 example Military Bases presented in this Op-ed, PFAS from AFFF, petroleum hydrocarbons, chlorinated solvents (TCE, PCE), metals, and munitions residues recur. PFAS and fuel-related contaminants dominate at airfields and naval facilities; metals and explosives residues dominate at proving grounds and ranges; mixed solvent and fuel contamination is widespread at maintenance? heavy installations.
Common exposure pathways: The most critical pathway is ingestion of contaminated drinking water from groundwater plumes reaching municipal systems or private wells. Additional pathways include contact with contaminated surface waters, inhalation of vapors from VOC- contaminated groundwater, and inhalation/ingestion of contaminated dust from training ranges and dry sediments. Island and coastal bases add marine pathways, with potential bioaccumulation in fish and shellfish.
Common adverse health effects: The health outcomes most consistently associated with base-related contaminants include_ elevated cholesterol, immune suppression, thyroid disease, liver enzyme changes, decreased vaccine response, adverse pregnancy outcomes, reduced birth weight, and increased risks of kidney and testicular cancers for PFAS; bladder, kidney, and liver cancers, leukemia, and neurobehavioral effects for VOCs; and neurologic, hematologic, and renal toxicity for metals and explosives residues_. Camp Lejeune stands out as a case where these associations have been formally recognized in federal benefits policy.
