Thyroid disease linked to PFAS exposure on contaminated military bases

Researchers have reported that individuals with PFAS exposure are at a 56% increased risk of developing thyroid cancer.

The US military has extensively used PFAS-containing products and released PFAS contaminants into the groundwater at military bases since the 1970s. Aqueous film-forming foam (AFFF) or firefighting foam is the most commonly used PFAS-containing product employed in military settings. Though PFAS was in use long ago, these persist in the environment as forever chemicals, which means these do not degrade quickly. Hundreds of military sites with PFAS-contaminated groundwater have been identified throughout the United States. This is alarming because not only our veterans but their families are at risk of developing diseases and adverse health effects due to untoward PFAS exposure.

Thyroid disorders are common among military personnel

Over 40,000 active military service personnel were diagnosed with thyroid disorders during 10 years of surveillance, according to a study published in 2018. Hypothyroidism was reported to be more common, and thyroid disorders were higher among Air Force service members than other military service members.

A recent study reports that PFAS exposure is linked to an increased risk of thyroid cancer. The researchers found that perfluorooctanesulfonic acid (n-PFOS), a particular type of PFAS, elevated the thyroid cancer risk by 56%. Epidemiological studies have demonstrated that PFAS exposure disrupts thyroid function.

If you are a veteran and have been diagnosed with thyroid diseases such as hypothyroidism, hyperthyroidism, and Hashimoto's disease, you are likely to be entitled to financial compensation.

Thyroid disease symptoms and signs that need your attention

PFAS exposure has been linked to several adverse health effects, including endocrine dysfunctions including the disruption of the thyroid gland functions, leading to the following symptoms:

• Neck swelling
• Unexplained weight gain/weight loss
• Puffy face
• Hoarseness in voice
• Depression
• Fatigue
• Slow/fast heart rate
• Trouble in sleeping
• Sensitivity to cold/heat
• Tremors in hands and fingers
• Irregularity in menstrual cycles
• Anxiety

If you have served in the military and developed any of these symptoms, it is essential to seek medical attention as early as possible.

Get in touch with ELG lawyers to file a military PFAS exposure claim

If you are a veteran who served on US military bases, you are likely to have been exposed to toxic PFAS while performing your regular military tasks. Your loved ones who lived with you on military bases are also at risk due to the groundwater contamination at these sites.

We offer free case evaluations for veterans and their family members who have developed thyroid disorders as a result of PFAS exposure at US military bases.