England Air Force Base
Alexandria, LA
Known Toxins1
Years of Operation1942-1992
Base Background
England Air Force Base opened in 1942 as the Alexandria Municipal Airport, later transitioning to military use under the U.S. Army. The original mission of the base was to train bombers and fighter jet pilots, as well as complete aircraft maintenance. The base was renamed England AFB in 1955 and officially closed in 1992 under Base Realignment and Closure (BRAC) processes. After decommissioning, the site was repurposed for civilian use, but environmental investigations have revealed serious contamination concerns tied to its military operations.
Toxic Exposure at England AFB
England Air Force Base was contaminated with PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances), which were commonly used in firefighting foam on military bases. Groundwater testing at former training areas revealed PFAS levels that were not only above EPA health advisory limits but among the highest recorded at any U.S. military site.
Additional contamination has been found in surface and subsurface soil, along with volatile organic compounds like trichloroethylene (TCE), often used in solvents and degreasers. These chemicals are known to cause a range of serious health conditions, including cancer, liver damage, and reproductive disorders.
Veterans who lived or served at England Air Force Base during its years of active military use may have been exposed to these toxins through water, soil, or airborne pathways, especially if they worked in firefighting, aircraft maintenance, or base operations. If you applied for disability benefits and were denied or underrated, our VA lawyers may be able to help you win the compensation you deserve. Contact us for a free evaluation of your case.
Known Toxins
The following chart outlines the medical conditions associated with toxic exposure at this base, classified by the strength of evidence required (strong, good or limited).* Please keep in mind that it is not a complete list.
| Toxin | Potential Effects & Strength of Evidence Needed | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Strong | Good | Limited | ||
| PFAS (Firefighting Foam) | Potential Effects & Strength of Evidence Needed | - | - | Testicular cancer Renal (kidney) cancer... Prostate cancer |
*Effects are according to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention’s Agency for Toxic Substances & Disease Registry unless otherwise noted.
If you served at England Air Force Base and later developed health conditions linked to chemical exposure, you may be eligible for VA disability compensation. These claims can be complex, but strong environmental evidence, paired with expert medical opinions and legal assistance from a skilled VA attorney, can help establish the connection between your service and your diagnosis.