Navigating medical care after PFAS exposure: Resources for railroad workers

Identifying qualified medical providers and understanding which monitoring resources are available can help you detect health problems early and create the medical record documentation needed to pursue legal compensation.

Federal public health resources and clinical guidance

The Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR) provides extensive resources for individuals and clinicians on PFAS exposure and health effects. Patients can use these materials to talk with their healthcare providers about potential symptoms and evaluation strategies related to PFAS exposure. Health issues associated with PFAS include cholesterol changes, immune effects, pregnancy-related blood pressure changes, and certain cancers such as kidney and testicular cancer.

Tools developed by the CDC and ATSDR allow people to estimate PFAS blood levels and understand how exposure might compare to background population levels. Based on exposure history, these resources aim to empower workers and their doctors to make informed decisions about appropriate tests and follow-up care.

Specialists who can help with PFAS health concerns

According to CDC and ATSDR clinical guidance, several types of specialists are valuable for managing PFAS-related health concerns. Occupational and environmental medicine physicians have expertise in chemicals and workplace exposures. Medical toxicologists are physicians trained to evaluate and treat the effects of toxic substances.

Pediatric environmental health specialists are particularly helpful for family exposures and concerns about child development. Clinical staff at state and local health departments are familiar with regional PFAS contamination patterns and strategies to reduce exposure.

Using these resources can complement a railroad worker's primary care provider and may allow for the development of individualized monitoring plans.

Recommended medical monitoring and tests

Authoritative guidance from PFAS-REACH and the National Academies of Sciences outlines clinical assessments and lab screens that physicians may use for people with documented elevated exposure. Common recommended evaluations include PFAS blood tests to measure internal levels, where available. Lipid panels are recommended because PFAS exposure has been associated with changes in cholesterol. PFAS exposure may be linked to elevated liver enzymes as measured by ALT, AST, and GGT.

Tests include thyroid function testing to assess hormone disruption, kidney function testing, and urinalysis, given potential links to kidney disease, cancer screenings in accordance with standard care, including testing for testicles, breasts, and colon, as well as discussing PFAS risks with clinicians.

Bring AFFF exposure history to appointments, including job tasks, duration of use, and foam application sites, so clinicians can properly interpret results. Potential legal claims can be supported by a medical record that documents when and where you handled AFFF.

Support networks and advocacy resources

Several advisory groups and collaborative resources can help affected workers and families find information and connect with experts. PFAS Exchange serves as a hub for clinicians and the public with medical screening guidance, exposure tools, and fact sheets. Patients, clinicians, and environmental health professionals can find centralized information about PFAS at the ATSDR PFAS Resource Center.

Pediatric Environmental Health Specialty Units (PEHSUs) provide environmental health consultations to clinicians and families. States and local health departments often maintain information on PFAS exposure, water quality, and screening programs. Through these networks, clinicians with experience in PFAS concerns can be found.

Practical guidance on medical care after exposure

Discuss exposure and symptoms with your provider by bringing a detailed exposure history, including years of AFFF use, where exposure occurred, and any prior water or blood testing. Ask about screening tests recommended for conditions associated with PFAS exposure, such as cholesterol, thyroid, liver, and kidney function tests.

Understand that blood testing for PFAS is available, but must be interpreted in a clinical context because most people in the United States have measurable PFAS. At present, no medical treatment is approved to accelerate PFAS elimination from the body according to clinical guidance, so monitoring and managing health conditions early becomes particularly important.

How legal aid can cover treatment costs through FELA claims

Legal claims under the Federal Employers' Liability Act can help affected railroad workers recover compensation for medical care and related expenses where employer negligence contributed to harmful exposures. Documented medical evaluations, test results, and expert clinician reports are often necessary evidence to support damages for ongoing medical monitoring and specialist consultations, diagnostic screenings and lab testing, and treatment for diagnosed conditions linked with PFAS exposure.

Building a comprehensive medical record, including specialist evaluations, enhances the ability to quantify health impacts and related costs in support of compensation claims.

ELG Law can help you access care and pursue compensation

For over 35 years, Environmental Litigation Group has represented families in toxic exposure cases. If you developed health conditions after PFAS exposure during railroad work, we can help you pursue compensation that covers your medical monitoring, specialist consultations, and treatment costs. To file your FELA claim, you will need employment records documenting your AFFF exposure and medical records showing your diagnoses and recommended care. Contact us today to discuss how legal compensation can help you access the medical resources you need.