Long-Term Exposure to PFAS - a Causal Factor for Multiple Myeloma

U.S. military firefighters used a particular type of chemical-based foam to extinguish fires more effectively for more than 40 years and firefighters at airports were required by the Federal Aviation Administration to use the foam until 2018.

The Department of Defense identified over 400 active or closed military installations that are potentially contaminated with the toxic compounds contained in firefighting foam.

In 2018, a federal inquiry determined that PFAS chemicals are more dangerous than previously reported and prompted revised recommendations for safe levels of exposure to the per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances. Thousands of claims have been made against manufacturers alleging that occupational exposure to PFAS-containing foam causes a variety of cancer.

Exposure to PFAS Has Been Scientifically Demonstrated to Significantly Increase the Risk of Multiple Myeloma

Despite its wide-scale use and effectiveness in extinguishing fires, researchers have found that frequent exposure to PFAS-based firefighting foams can be extremely toxic and 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.

Former civilian and military firefighters 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.

Case managers at Atraxia Law Are Currently Reviewing Cases Involving Cancer After Workplace Exposure to PFAS-Based Foams

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. Losing a loved one to a lingering 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 eliminate your loved one's suffering or the pain caused by their untimely loss, you may be eligible to file a claim against the manufacturer deemed to be liable.

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.