Posted on May 08th, 2025
Fatigue can be easily overlooked as a symptom of leukemia. But for people who are at high risk of cancer from chemical exposure, it can be a sign of something serious. PFAS from firefighting foam is one of the chemicals linked to a higher risk of blood cancers.
People usually brush off fatigue as a sign of stress or aging. But when combined with other warning signs, especially for people with a history of chemical exposure, it could indicate a serious condition like leukemia. In a recent report, the American Cancer Society estimates that over 66,000 new leukemia cases will be diagnosed in 2025. The report also shows a decrease in the mortality rate for cancer, which shows how early detection and access to treatment can make a difference.
Common symptoms of leukemia may include:
- persistent fatigue and weakness
- unexplained weight loss
- recurrent infections
- fever or chills
- swollen lymph nodes or lumps
- enlarged liver or spleen
- unexplained bleeding or bruising
- small red spots on your skin
PFAS exposure may increase leukemia risk
Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are found in aqueous film-forming foam (AFFF), a firefighting foam that the U.S. military has used since the 1970s. PFAS comes in different types, including PFOA (perfluorooctanoic acid) and PFOS (perfluorooctanesulfonic acid). The International Agency for Research on Cancer classified PFOA as carcinogenic to humans, while PFOS was found to be possibly carcinogenic to humans.
PFAS can drastically alter biological processes, as seen in different studies. It can alter DNA methylation or overwhelm the body's antioxidants by increasing oxidative stress. This is how these "forever chemicals" affect a person's chance of developing cancer later in life, after long-term exposure to PFAS by occupation or proximity. For example, a 2023 study found that another type of PFAS in AFFF was associated with chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL).
High-risk groups for PFAS-related leukemia
Over 16,000 cases of chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) among veterans were recorded at the Veterans Affairs system from 1999 to 2020. A leukemia diagnosis could be related to family history, but it could have been triggered by the patient's exposure to chemicals. Hundreds of U.S. military bases are contaminated with PFAS. Because of this, some groups face higher risks of developing severe conditions, particularly the following:
- Military personnel and veterans who were exposed to PFAS while stationed at a contaminated military base.
- Family members of military personnel and veterans who lived with them at a contaminated military base.
- Civilians who lived within one mile of a contaminated military base.
You can file your PFAS-related leukemia claim with ELG Law
Fighting leukemia takes a toll on a person physically and emotionally. If you have been diagnosed with leukemia after PFAS exposure on a military base, we can assist you in filing a claim. Our PFAS attorneys will review your case at no cost. We only need your medical records showing your diagnosis and military records if you s,erve or residential proof if you are a family member who lived on the base, or if you are someone who lived within 1 mile of a contaminated military base.
