Serving and defending the nation is a noble calling, but it comes with significant health risks.
Compared to the general public, military personnel are more likely to develop serious health conditions, including certain types of cancer. These include multiple myeloma, a form of blood cancer that affects the bone marrow.
A patient is diagnosed with multiple myeloma when their white blood cells, which produce antibodies, grow out of control. As a result, they produce abnormal antibodies known as M proteins, disrupting the body's normal function, particularly the immune system.
Myeloma is a major health concern for military members, both active and retired. Between 2000 and 2020, the Department of Veterans Affairs recorded at least 14,000 veterans diagnosed with this condition.
Military personnel are more likely to develop myeloma compared to the general population. A 2023 study by the American Society of Hematology found that individuals without any history of military service have less than a 1% chance of developing myeloma. In contrast, the risk is much higher for service members, at 9%. Several risk factors that explain this phenomenon include:
Lately, studies have also suggested a potential link between increased risks of multiple myeloma and exposure to certain toxins, particularly per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS). This group of more than 15,000 artificial chemical compounds has been linked to numerous health issues, including several types of cancers.
Military bases have been identified as one of the largest sources of PFAS contamination. Experts pointed to runoff chemicals from Aqueous Film-Forming Foam (AFFF), a PFAS-based firefighting foam, as the primary reason behind this crisis. Aside from military bases themselves, the discharged PFAS have also infiltrated groundwater sources, potentially putting millions of civilians' lives at risk.
Those living inside or within one mile of military bases with known PFAS contamination, and who may have been diagnosed with multiple myeloma, could be eligible to receive compensation. If you want to learn more about how to get started, Atraxia Law can help you. We offer free case evaluation, and once you qualify, we can refer you to an experienced attorney who can provide the legal support you need in securing the compensation you deserve. Feel free to reach out to our team of experts today.