The most common cancer types tied to PFAS exposure on military bases

Military bases and installations are among the largest sources of PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances) contamination. Since the 1970s, all branches of the army have used PFAS, a class of over 15,000 chemical compounds.

Currently, these 'forever chemicals' face intense scrutiny over health concerns, including life-threatening ones such as cancer.

The Department of Defense (DOD) mostly used PFAS for manufacturing aqueous film-forming foams (AFFF), both for emergencies and in training. These firefighting foams can suppress fuel fires within seconds. However, the PFAS compounds found and discharged from these firefighting foams turned out to cause more harm than good. Exposure to these artificial chemicals has been linked to numerous health issues, including certain types of cancer.

Types of cancer linked to PFAS exposure on military bases

Because they do not break down quickly, PFAS tend to accumulate and eventually cause damage to our health. Extensive studies have examined the relationship between exposure to PFAS compounds and human health, particularly PFOA (perfluorooctanoic acid) and PFOS (perfluorooctanesulfonate), and scientists discovered that these two PFAS types can cause cancers, like:

• Kidney cancer: There have been multiple studies linking exposure to PFOA to an increased risk of developing renal cell carcinoma, the most common form of kidney cancer.
• Testicular cancer: Researchers from the National Cancer Institute's Occupational and Environmental Epidemiology Branch revealed that U.S. Air Force members exposed to PFOS have higher risks of getting testicular cancer.
• Thyroid cancer: People with higher concentrations of PFOS in their blood have a 56% increased rate of developing thyroid cancer. PFOS is also considered a potential endocrine disruptor.
• Liver cancer: Newer studies have also uncovered the association between PFAS exposure and liver cancer. Scientists suggest that individuals, including military officers and personnel, with elevated concentrations of PFOS, are 4.5 times more likely to develop hepatocellular carcinoma, a form of liver cancer.

PFAS exposure on military bases: Who is eligible to file a claim

PFAS contamination was identified on more than 700 military sites across the country. Eligible individuals for monetary compensation through a PFAS claim:

• Current and former military members stationed at a military base with known PFAS contamination
• Family members who have lived on the contaminated base for at least one year.
• Residents living within a mile of a known PFAS-contaminated base for at least one year

Atraxia Law can help with PFAS claims

Cancer patients who have been exposed to PFAS on a contaminated military base may be eligible to seek monetary compensation, and if you need any help, we're here to assist you.

Atraxia Law has supported countless individuals in filing their toxic exposure claims. For over 35 years, we have provided case evaluation and linked victims of toxic exposure cases, including those who developed cancers as a result of PFAS exposure, to reliable attorneys. Reach out to any member of our team to find out how we can help you get started.