Scott Air Force Base
Base Background
Scott Air Force Base is located in St. Clair county near Belleville, Illinois, and is approximately 25 miles east of St. Louis, Missouri. It serves as a prominent United States Air Force installation, hosting multiple units including the Air Mobility Command, the U.S. Transportation Command, and the Air Force Network Integration Center. The base plays a critical role in global mobility and cyber operations, and is known for its significant contributions to national defense and military transportation logistics.
Toxic Exposure at Scott Air Force Base
Scott AFB is a designated Superfund site due to its severe PFAS contamination. The primary source of contamination has been the historical use of Aqueous Film Forming Foam (AFFF) for firefighting purposes since the 1970s. The base has been under investigation since 2015, when the Air Force Civil Engineer Center (AFCEC) conducted preliminary testing to identify areas with potentially elevated levels of PFAS due to past firefighting activities.
Scott AFB’s PFAS Contamination Extent
In 2020, the Illinois EPA expanded testing to public water supplies up to 15 miles from the base and private wells within four miles. This testing found at least one off-base residential well exceeding the EPA’s 70 ppt health advisory for PFAS. Additional U.S. Army Corps of Engineers studies identified seven on-base locations with PFAS levels above EPA limits. The fact that the contamination has spread beyond the base boundaries can potentially affect the broader community.
If you developed a medical condition related to PFAS contamination from Scott Air Force Base, you may be eligible for compensation. Get a free case evaluation here to explore your legal options and see if our Illinois VA-accredited attorneys can help.
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 | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Strong | Good | Limited | ||
| PFAS (Firefighting Foam) | Potential Effects | - | - | 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.
Getting Compensation for Toxic Exposure
Veterans and civilians who lived or worked Scott AFB may be able to receive compensation if they developed health conditions associated with toxic exposure. This would require:
Documenting the time spent at the base using service records and other documentation
Gathering comprehensive medical evidence
Obtaining expert medical opinions to establish a link between the diagnosed medical conditions and the toxic exposure
Making a VA disability claim or pursuing a lawsuit
To win your case, you will likely need assistance from an experienced veterans disability lawyer who can fight on your behalf and maximize compensation. Our Chicago VA attorneys may be able to help.
For a free case evaluation, please call us on 1-888-477-2363. We specialize in disability law and work on a contingency basis, with no upfront fees.