Multiple myeloma: Military base PFAS exposure claims

Veterans, active component service members, and their families (spouses and children) who lived at military bases across the country are now facing a high rate of blood cancers, such as multiple myeloma, due to continuous or repeated contact with:

• toxic solvents such as perchloroethene (PCE), and trichloroethene (TCE), used as dry-cleaning and degreasing agents for military and industrial applications
• per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances - the active ingredients in a special kind of firefighting foam – aqueous film-forming foam (AFFF)

Military installations used PFAS-containing foams in firefighting training and fire suppression systems throughout their bases. The foam was extremely prevalent in past years but is starting to become phased out because of its concentration of perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS) and perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) due to their carcinogenic classification and potential.

Unfortunately, the PFAS substances stemming from the use of AFFF, PCE, and TCE, are not the only toxic substances polluting military bases. There are other hazardous substances that were found by the Environmental Protection Agency, including the following:

• benzene
• 2-butanone
• carbon tetrachloride
• chlordane
• 1,1- dichloroethane
• 1,2- dichloroethane
• methylene chloride
• polychlorinated biphenyl (PCB)
• polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs)
• toluene
• vinyl chloride
• halogenated hydrocarbons
• trihalomethanes
• xylene

Exposure to PFAS has been scientifically demonstrated to significantly increase the risk of multiple myeloma

Researchers have found that frequent exposure to PFAS substances can cause various cancers, including multiple myeloma - plasma cell malignancy that affects the immune system.

The major effects of long-term exposure to PFAS on the blood and blood-forming tissues:

• T-cell depletion associated with progressive impairment of immunity
• bone demineralization
• alterations of red cell functionality
• low white blood cells count

Due to their long-term exposure to PFAS, veterans can suffer ongoing pain, lack the ability to work, and face significant financial strain. We are committed to secure the compensation they rightfully deserve.

Active and former military members stationed at various Army, Air Force, and Navy bases throughout the country who are experiencing bone pain, unexplained bone fractures, chronic tingling or numbness, nausea, vomiting, weight loss, or frequent infections, are encouraged to contact their primary care physician and to file a claim for compensation.

Multiple myeloma claims for military personnel and their families

We are aware that a cancer diagnosis can be devastating for both victims and their families. With the associated severe emotional trauma comes the fear of an uncertain future. Cancer victims may begin to feel trapped in worrying thoughts as medical expenses quickly add up and become unaffordable. If you have qualifying service at one of the targeted military bases, and a current diagnosis of multiple myeloma, call us today to learn how we can help you.

Losing a loved one to a terminal illness can put family members in an extremely difficult situation both emotionally and financially. For those who lost a family member to cancer caused by toxic firefighting foam, although nothing can alleviate your loved one's suffering or the pain caused by their untimely loss, you may be eligible to file a claim for compensation.

These types of claims are designed to provide the victim's loved ones with monetary compensation and peace of mind after their unexpected loss. The surviving family members may be able to recover compensation for past and future losses, including:

• all medical expenses that the deceased person incurred as a result of the cancer treatment;
• lost wages and additional work-related benefits if the victim had lived;
• loss of care, guidance, and companionship;
• damages resulting from the emotional pain suffered by loved ones;
• all funeral-related costs.