PFAS (Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl
Substances), which includes PFOS (Perfluorooctane Sulfonate) and PFOA
(Perfluorooctanoic acid) have historically been present in certain formulations of Firefighting Foam, particularly in Aqueous Film-Forming Foams (AFFF). AFFF is a type of foam used to extinguish
flammable liquid fires, such as those involving gasoline, oil, or jet fuel. These foams contain PFAS compounds due to
their ability to create a strong barrier between the fuel and the fire, which
is highly effective, and as such, they have been used in military installations for decades.
The health
impacts of PFOA and PFOS (the most common types of PFAS)
are an explosive topic today, with countless news articles being
generated. The medical
literature on PFAS has also exploded in the last few years and
continues to accumulate.
In addition to direct exposure
to AFFF (Aqueous film-forming foams for firefighting), another potential source
of PFAS is the contamination of drinking water and specifically, the contamination of
ground and surface water due to the use of (AFFF) at airports, military
installations, and fire-fighting training sites. In 2020, the International
Journal of Hygiene and Environmental Health, Volume 223, Issue 1, reported that
“PFAS had been recently detected in hundreds of public water systems in more
than half of U.S. states (Anderson et al., 2016; Hu et al., 2016; Weiss et al.,
2012)”.
PFAS (including PFOA & PFOS) are
called ‘Forever Chemicals’ because they persist in the
environment for many decades, and in human tissue for many years.
Of scientific note, currently, the EPA warned that PFOA
and PFOS can cause health issues with rates as low as 0.004 and 0.02 parts per
trillion, an incredibly low concentration. Most current environmental assays
can’t even measure such low levels. It should also be noted that previously, the agency said 70
parts per trillion could pose risks marking a clear indication that knowledge of the subject has evolved with considerable implication.
The half-life
of PFAS (including PFOA & PFOS) in human tissues is in the 5-8 years range,
translating into long
disease latencies of at least 15-20 years.
180 VA Superfund Sites
From recent
news items, military bases often mentioned include Fort Benning, Georgia;
Fort Campbell, Kentucky; Fort Bragg, North Carolina; Fort Bliss and Fort Hood
in Texas; and Joint Base Lewis-McChord in Washington state.
Currently, the EPA identified some 180
Superfund Sites.
Superfund
Sites Identified by EPA to have PFAS Contamination:
Veteran Connections
Cancers and oncology are clearly at the top of the list of diseases linked to PFAS. There are currently enough epidemiological studies and meta-analyses to
support strong Veteran connections for:
Prostate cancer
Thyroid cancer
Kidney cancer
Testicular cancer
Breast cancer
Exposure to PFAS (PFOA-PFOS) has also been associated with a wide range of
health risks. PFAS are medically
categorized as Endocrine Disrupting Chemicals (EDC) and there are
non-cancer diseases currently linked with it as well, including Hypothyroidism, Obesity,
and Diabetes.
While the medical details of every case are different, there are additional diseases
and health issues that have been linked to PFAS exposure including:
Neurological
Effects: Studies have suggested a possible
association between PFAS exposure and cognitive impairments, behavioral
changes, and developmental delays in children.
Cardiovascular
Disease: Emerging research indicates that
there might be a link between PFAS exposure and increased risk of
cardiovascular disease, including heart attacks and strokes.
Liver Disease: PFAS exposure has been associated with liver damage,
including non-alcoholic fatty liver disease and changes in liver enzyme levels.
Kidney Disease: There is evidence that PFAS exposure may contribute to
kidney dysfunction, including decreased kidney function and increased risk of
kidney disease.
Immune System
Dysfunction: PFAS exposure has been shown
to affect immune system function, potentially leading to increased
susceptibility to infections and autoimmune disorders.
Reproductive and
Developmental Effects: PFAS exposure has
been linked to adverse reproductive outcomes, such as reduced fertility,
delayed onset of puberty, and developmental issues in infants.
Thyroid Dysfunction: PFAS exposure can interfere with thyroid hormone
regulation, potentially leading to thyroid disorders and related health
problems.
The medical community predicts that literature
and known health risks will escalate significantly over the upcoming
years. However, we have enough
information today that supports Veterans and their struggle with the diseases
caused by their exposure to these 'Forever Chemicals'. Therefore, Veteran Advocates should understand the serious health risks surrounding PFAS, and also considering the very long
latency of these toxins, be keenly aware that Veterans whose exposure was years ago, might
still deserve service connection. 
