The U.S. Air Force is trying to delineate how far and at what concentration a "forever chemical" called PFAS has shed from the base’s fire training area to the surrounding West Valley area.
In recent years, West Valley residents may have learned a chemical known as polyfluoroalkyl substances or PFAS was in high concentrations in wells or sites near Luke Air Force Base north of Litchfield Park and Goodyear.
The chemical doesn’t break down over time and can build up in the environment and blood of humans. According to the state, the chemical has been detected around Luke and other areas and was used as a firefighting agent for highly volatile military planes and equipment.