Exposure to PFAS is associated with reduced immune response, which is a hallmark of Hodgkin's lymphoma
The most common symptom of Hodgkin's lymphoma is a swelling in the neck, groin, or armpit, which is usually painless.
It is caused by the accumulation of affected white blood cells, also known as lymphocytes, in a lymph node.
Hodgkin's lymphoma is a cancer that wreaks havoc on the lymphatic system, which is part of the body's germ-fighting immune system. Lymphocytes grow out of control, causing swollen lymph nodes and tumors throughout the body.
Other signs of Hodgkin's lymphoma you should look out for if you are a veteran or a family member of one who lived at a contaminated military base are the following:
- itchy skin
- a higher risk of infections
- unexplained weight loss
- persistent fatigue
- relentless fever
- night sweats
- a lingering cough
- breathlessness
When Hodgkin's lymphoma develops, it means that the immune system has failed to detect the abnormal cells or has not been able to get rid of them. Often, this is because there is a problem with the immune system. Exposure to PFAS is known to impair the immune system, making people exposed to these dangerous chemicals more susceptible to developing Hodgkin's lymphoma. Animal models and human studies provide strong evidence that PFAS alter the immune system, diminishing its ability to fight disease. Therefore, veterans and family members who spent time at military bases with known toxic contamination are now at high risk of developing Hodgkin's lymphoma.
Exposure to benzene, a solvent that lurked on numerous military bases during the last century, might also be responsible for Hodgkin's lymphoma. Many studies have reported associations between exposure to high benzene levels and the induction of lymphomas in mice. Finally, exposure to organic solvents, in general, is another risk factor for this disease. This category of chemicals includes toluene, chloroform, acetone, methylene chloride, and ethanol, which might have also been present on military bases in the past.
