Blood cancer in military members and their families: The cost of PFAS exposure

Military personnel and their families face a significantly higher risk of developing blood cancer from being exposed to PFAS in military bases.

Residents near contaminated bases also face these risks as PFAS have been linked to leukemia, lymphoma, myeloma, and other blood cancers.

Recent studies have linked increased risk of blood cancers to chemical exposure, specifically exposure to per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS).

These chemicals, found in firefighting foam and widely used at military bases, can cause oxidative stress, immunotoxicity, immune system alteration, and endocrine disruption. Most of these effects can contribute to the development of the following types of blood cancers:

• Leukemia affects the bone marrow and causes it to make too many abnormal white blood cells.
• Lymphoma develops in the lymphocytes. Non-Hodgkin lymphoma has over 30 more subtypes, including different types of B-cell lymphoma and T-cell lymphoma.
• Multiple myeloma is a rare condition where plasma cells produce abnormal antibodies.

Depending on the type of blood cancer, common symptoms include:

• Unexplained bruising or bleeding
• Unexplained fever or chills
• Unexplained rashes
• Unexplained weight loss
• Recurrent infections
• Lumps or swollen lymph nodes
• Drenching night sweats
• Shortness of breath
• Tiredness

PFAS exposure raises blood cancer risk for veterans and family members

Some occupations are more dangerous than others when it comes to increasing cancer risk. The International Labor Organization estimates that over 600,000 people die from occupational cancer each year. With toxic exposure from the environments they face, including PFAS chemicals in the firefighting foam, military personnel face these risks for different cancer types and serious illnesses.

From 2000 to 2018, billing data from Veterans Affairs (VA) facilities showed an 18% increase in treatments billed for blood cancers like lymphoma, myeloma, and leukemia. This data was obtained by a third party through a Freedom of Information Act request. It's highly likely that not all veterans can access these VA facilities and benefits, which means the incidence of blood cancer could be higher.

Civilians who lived near contaminated military bases and family members of veterans are also at risk. It's important to note that they can also file toxic exposure claims, especially as recent research found a significant link between PFAS exposure and childhood leukemia.

You may be eligible for compensation after a blood cancer diagnosis

Blood cancer can take years to develop after initial PFAS exposure. After a diagnosis, patients often face expensive medical treatment to manage the condition. Some find it challenging to find oncologists nearby. On top of these, filing claims for PFAS exposure can be a complicated process. Atraxia Law can evaluate your claim and connect you with a specialized attorney who can file your claims as you focus on your treatment and recovery. You may qualify if you meet any of the following criteria:

• You (or your family member) were stationed at a military base where PFAS contamination was documented. You will need to retrieve your military records (proof of residency for family members) and show medical records of your diagnosis.
• You lived within one mile of a military base where PFAS contamination was documented. You will need to show proof of residency and medical records of your diagnosis.

We help blood cancer patients file PFAS exposure claims

Our legal team at Atraxia Law has decades of experience in helping toxic exposure victims and connecting them with competent attorneys. If you have been diagnosed with blood cancer after serving or living near a contaminated military base, contact us to start filing your PFAS exposure claim. Our free case evaluation involves examining military records, proof of residence, and medical records to determine eligibility.