Exposure to PFAS may contribute to the development and progression of leukemia
While some of the most common risk factors for leukemia are smoking, rare genetic syndromes such as Down syndrome, Fanconi anemia, or Bloom syndrome, a history of undergoing chemotherapy or radiotherapy, and a family history of cancer, it can also be the result of exposure to PFAS.
The main source of PFAS on military bases throughout the country is aqueous film-forming foam, also known as AFFF, a fire suppressant used by military firefighters and trainees to extinguish jet fuel and petroleum fires.
Once these fluorinated chemicals are released into the environment, they remain there forever, as they are often referred to as forever chemicals. Similarly, once they reach the inside of the body, they cannot be eliminated, being able to lead to serious diseases such as leukemia over the years. The primary symptoms of leukemia include:
- fever or chills
- persistent fatigue and weakness
- recurrent infections
- losing weight without trying
- swollen lymph nodes
- enlarged liver or spleen
- easy bleeding or bruising
- frequent nosebleeds
- small red spots on your skin
At the moment, there are over 700 military sites that are heavily contaminated with PFAS throughout the United States, numerous of which are military bases where people are usually stationed. If you spent time at a military base and experience some of the above symptoms, we strongly advise you to seek medical attention as soon as possible, as you may have developed leukemia. Early diagnosis is crucial, as it will allow you to receive the treatment you need, which will improve your prognosis to a great extent, as well as your quality of life.
If you are a veteran who spent at least one cumulative year at a contaminated military base and developed leukemia, you might be eligible to file a toxic exposure claim. Leukemia has a latency of 5 years when it is caused by PFAS exposure. Our experienced attorneys will help you determine whether you qualify for compensation by evaluating your case.
What types of leukemia can you develop following PFAS exposure?
Leukemia is another cancer that can arise from toxic exposure, namely from exposure to PFAS that occurs on contaminated U.S. military bases.
However, this malignant disease can be found under many names in your medical records, depending on how aggressive it is, as well as on the type of abnormal cells that are present in your blood. This is a list that contains the most common names under which leukemia can be diagnosed:
- myeloid leukemia
- lymphoblastic leukemia
- acute lymphocytic leukemia
- chronic lymphocytic leukemia
In the regrettable case that you received one of these diagnoses, we advise you to reach out to our legal team, as you may be entitled to compensation. If you were stationed at one or multiple contaminated military bases after 1966, you are at high risk of developing leukemia, among other terrible diseases. Consequently, if you have a history of toxic exposure and a diagnosis of leukemia, it is best to give us a call immediately, as we may be able to recover financial compensation for you, which will help you afford better treatment.
