No problems found, but Air Force to test MacDill water for pollution.
But the inspection will test ground water at the base in areas where Aqueous Film Forming Foam was used, according to Laura McAndrews, an Air Force spokeswoman.
So far, more than 200 installations have been tested and the Air Force is taking some form of cleanup action at about 20 of them.
"It is our priority to ensure there is safe drinking water sources for our service members," said Senior Airman Tori Long, a spokeswoman for the 6th Air Mobility Wing, the base’s host unit.
Studies on animals show the chemicals disrupt normal endocrine activity, reduce immune function, damage organs including the liver and pancreas, and cause developmental problems in offspring, according to the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences.
Data from some human studies suggests the chemicals may also damage human health, according to the institute, while other studies found no conclusive links.
If the chemicals are detectable but fall below the health advisory level, the Air Force may conduct well monitoring to track changes and determine if further action is needed.
The Air Force, McAndrews said, has awarded a $6.2 million contract to replace firefighting foam used in fire vehicles to reduce the risk of possible contamination of soil and groundwater.
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