By Treven Pyles
Posted on June 19th, 2025
In recent years, studies have revealed disturbing links between PFAS exposure and thyroid disease. The thyroid gland controls metabolism, growth, and development throughout life, making disruption of this critical system a serious health concern for exposed populations.
Thyroid disorders affect millions of Americans, and many cases go undiagnosed. PFAS chemicals can interfere with thyroid hormone production and regulation, resulting in long-term health consequences.
Thyroid disease research findings
The C8 Science Panel determined in 2012 that available epidemiologic data presented sufficient evidence to conclude there is a link between PFOA exposure and thyroid disease, establishing one of the first formal connections between PFAS and diagnosed thyroid conditions. Research has documented potential links between PFOA and PFOS exposure and thyroid disease development in exposed populations.
Studies examining PFAS-exposed populations have identified thyroid disease as a condition of particular concern, with some research showing measurable associations between exposure levels and disease diagnosis. Military personnel and firefighters, who are frequently exposed to PFAS-containing firefighting foam (AFFF), showed a higher prevalence of thyroid disease, according to a 2023 study in Occupational Medicine, suggesting prolonged exposure may have cumulative effects on thyroid health.
The pattern of increased thyroid disease diagnosis in PFAS-exposed populations provides evidence beyond laboratory hormone measurements, pointing to actual clinical thyroid conditions requiring medical treatment and ongoing monitoring.
Military thyroid disease surveillance
Military surveillance data documented over 40,000 thyroid disorder diagnoses among active-duty service members during a decade-long study period. Hypothyroidism emerged as the most frequently diagnosed thyroid condition, with notably higher rates among non-Hispanic white service members compared to other demographic groups.
There have been documented instances of contamination of military installations through the use of aqueous film-forming foam (AFFF), contaminated water supplies, and occupational exposure to PFAS-containing equipment. In spite of earlier projections, rates of five major thyroid diseases either stabilized or decreased from 2008 to 2017, though the absolute number remained high.
Research can track disease patterns and identify trends that are not readily apparent in civilian populations, thanks to the comprehensive nature of military health records. There are broader implications for civilian communities exposed to PFAS in contaminated water supplies or near contaminated military facilities.
Legal support for PFAS-related thyroid disease
The Environmental Law Group specializes in toxic exposure cases, ensuring that those who suffer from PFAS exposure on military bases receive the compensation they deserve. If you served on a military installation, we will examine your medical records and service records to determine whether toxic contamination caused your thyroid condition.
We work on a contingency fee basis, which means that you pay us nothing until we are able to recover compensation for you. It is common for the VA to give disability ratings that fall short or deny claims completely. Our experienced team is here to help maximize your chances of winning your PFAS-related thyroid disease claim.
