Key facts
- US veterans have higher levels of Pfas "forever chemicals" in their blood than non-veterans, according to new research.
- The study, led by Brown University, analyzed federal health data from 2003 to 2018.
- Younger veterans (ages 20-39) showed Pfas blood levels 13% to 24% higher than their civilian counterparts.
- Veterans in this age group were 18% more likely to exceed expert-recommended Pfas monitoring thresholds.
- Pfas are linked to serious health problems including cancer, kidney disease, and immune disorders.
- The military is phasing out Pfas firefighting foam due to widespread contamination around bases.
Many US military veterans exhibit significantly higher concentrations of Pfas, commonly known as "forever chemicals," in their blood compared to the general civilian population, according to new peer-reviewed research. The study, spearheaded by Brown University, analyzed federal health data and highlights potential health risks faced by service members exposed to these persistent chemicals, often found at military bases due to the use of Pfas-containing firefighting foam during training and emergencies.
The findings indicate that the issue is particularly pronounced among younger veterans. The research estimated that approximately 23 million veterans between the ages of 20 and 39 have Pfas blood levels ranging from 13% to 24% higher than non-veterans, depending on the specific Pfas compound. Furthermore, these younger veterans were found to be 18% more likely than their civilian peers to have Pfas levels exceeding the threshold at which experts recommend medical monitoring. In total, about 58% of all veterans in this age group, roughly 13 million individuals, were found to be above this threshold.
Pfas are a group of at least 16,000 chemicals used in various products for their water, stain, and heat-resistant properties. Their persistence in the environment and the human body has been linked to severe health issues, including various cancers, kidney and liver problems, immune system dysfunction, and birth defects. The US military is in the process of phasing out Pfas-based firefighting foam, as these chemicals have widely contaminated water and soil around over 720 bases nationwide. They are also released through military burn pits.
Researchers analyzed data from the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) between 2003 and 2018. They did not observe a similar elevation in Pfas levels among older veterans. Christian Hoover, a study co-author, suggested this difference is likely due to the body's gradual excretion of Pfas over time, meaning older veterans' bodies may have expelled the chemicals to levels more in line with the civilian population. However, he noted that older veterans with past exposure may still face immediate risks for developing Pfas-related health conditions due to the long latency period for these diseases.
While the study acknowledged limitations, such as not knowing specific service member occupations or precise exposure timelines, Hoover emphasized that the findings strongly indicate widespread exposure. He underscored the "social contract" between the government and service members, suggesting a governmental responsibility to provide health monitoring and care for veterans after their service.