How does PFAS cause thyroid cancer?

Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are compounds with carbon-fluorine bonds with long half-lives. When absorbed into the body, they can bind to proteins, nuclear receptors, membrane transporters, carrier proteins, and other biomolecules that are crucial for maintaining good health.

Two types of PFAS have been classified by the IARC as carcinogenic and possibly carcinogenic to humans. Evidence has shown that PFOS (perfluorooctane sulfonate) and PFOA (perfluorooctanoic acid) can contribute to cancer development through the following mechanisms:

• Epigenetic alterations. Epigenetic age is a measure of a body’s biological age by analyzing DNA methylation patterns. A study published in Epigenomics found that PFOA and branched PFOS isomers were associated with accelerated epigenetic aging. Branched PFOA and linear PFOS, along with two other PFAS types, were associated with altered DNA methylation patterns.
• Immunosuppression. In a 2023 study, researchers identified over 320 relevant studies that linked PFAS to either chronic inflammation or immunosuppression. Exposure to PFAS was associated with decreased B-cell activation (which can impact tumor suppression functions of the immune system) and abnormal changes in T-cell subtypes (which may affect the T-cell subtype’s role in attacking tumor cells).

Filing PFAS exposure claims: Atraxia Law can help you strengthen your case

PFAS chemicals have been detected in military training areas, firefighting training facilities within military installations, and at military airports. You may have been exposed to this chemical if you were assigned to or lived at a contaminated military base. If you were exposed to PFAS by being assigned to any of these locations or living near one, you may qualify for a PFAS exposure claim for thyroid cancer. Our legal team can check your eligibility by reviewing your medical records and documents (military records, proof of relationship to a veteran, proof of residence, whichever is applicable).