By Treven Pyles
Posted on May 28th, 2025
Bone pain can be easily dismissed as arthritis flaring up or strain from everyday activities. However, it can be a sign of a more serious condition if you have been exposed to toxic chemicals. PFAS from firefighting foam are linked to a higher risk of blood cancers like multiple myeloma.
Most people ignore bone pain because they believe it's a natural result of exercise or aging. It could, however, signal a serious condition such as multiple myeloma when combined with other warning signs. The American Cancer Society estimates that 36,110 people will receive a multiple myeloma diagnosis in 2025. Early recognition of symptoms can significantly impact treatment outcomes and quality of life.
Warning signs of multiple myeloma include:
- persistent bone pain, especially in the spine, chest, or hips
- chronic tiredness and weakness
- recurrent infections
- nausea and loss of appetite
- mental fogginess or confusion
- constipation and excessive thirst
- frequent urination
- unexplained weight loss
The connection between PFAS chemicals and multiple myeloma
Aqueous film-forming foam (AFFF) contains per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), which the military has relied on since the 1970s for fighting fuel fires. The foam became essential for extinguishing dangerous petroleum-based blazes involving jet fuel, gasoline, and other flammable liquids at military bases, airports, and industrial facilities. Its ability to quickly put out these fires made AFFF the standard for emergency responders dealing with fuel-related incidents.
These chemicals include PFOA and PFOS, with PFOA classified as a human carcinogen by the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) and PFOS labeled as a possible carcinogen. Decades of AFFF deployment at military sites have resulted in extensive contamination, exposing service members, their families, and surrounding communities to these harmful chemicals.
Research shows that PFAS chemicals can disrupt normal cellular function through various mechanisms. They interfere with DNA repair processes and create harmful oxidative stress in the body. These 'forever chemicals' accumulate over time, potentially triggering cancer development years or decades after initial exposure. Recent studies have identified connections between PFAS compounds and cancers, including multiple myeloma.
Who faces the greatest risk of developing multiple myeloma?
Veterans Affairs data identified over 12,000 cases of multiple myeloma among veterans between 2000 and 2020. While genetics plays a role in cancer development, environmental toxin exposure is known to trigger or accelerate the process in many cases. PFAS contamination affects over 700 military installations across the country, putting specific groups at elevated risk:
- 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
Get legal recourse for your PFAS-related multiple myeloma with ELG Law
Fighting multiple myeloma takes a toll on a person physically and emotionally. If you've been diagnosed with multiple myeloma 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 served, or residential proof if you're a family member who lived on the base, or if you are someone who lived within 1 mile of a contaminated military base.
