The Environmental Working Group (EWG) has listed several military installations in South Carolina among the Top 100 U.S. locations with the highest concentrations of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) contamination in groundwater. For example, at the Fort Jackson, PFOS and PFOA levels recorded a maximum detection of 7,250 parts per trillion (ppt). These figures exceed the new safety limits enforced by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), which are 0.02 and 0.004 ppt for PFOS and PFOA, respectively.
Meanwhile, the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) identifies both chemicals as human carcinogens. For years, the U.S. military has depended on PFAS for its durability and effectiveness in fire suppression and protective gear. While these chemicals ensured their safety during fire emergencies, the same chemicals potentially posed long-term health risks based on recent studies.
PFAS, often called forever chemicals, are artificial compounds that resist heat, water, and oil. Since the 1970s, these chemicals have been the active ingredient of aqueous film-forming foams (AFFF) to extinguish fuel fires effectively. With their unique properties, PFAS are used as coatings on the turnout gear of U.S. military and civilian firefighters to protect them from the harsh environments of fire incidents.
According to the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry, PFAS enters the body by consuming contaminated food and water, breathing dust contaminated by PFAS, and direct skin contact with PFAS, or surfaces that harbor these chemicals. Other forms of PFAS are Perfluorooctane Sulfonate (PFOS) and Perfluorooctanoic Acid (PFOA).
Activities in military installations that pose fire hazards are not limited to the battlefield. Military bases often have fuel storage for refueling military transport vehicles. With this, PFAS are extensively used in military bases. The most common malignancy diagnosed among active-duty U.S. military personnel is testicular cancer. A research study shows that Air Force Members with consistent occupational exposure to PFAS had elevated PFAS concentration in their blood. It further revealed that increased PFAS concentration in blood is associated with developing testicular germ cell tumors (TGCT).
Since PFAS exposure has been associated with testicular cancer, U.S. veterans in South Carolina can apply for disability compensation through the Department of Veteran Affairs (VA) for PFAS-related health issues. For eligibility, proving a connection can be challenging because health effects from PFAS exposure usually develop over several years. The long latency makes it difficult to associate the onset of symptoms with PFAS exposure. Adding to the problem, no specific diagnostic criteria exist for PFAS-related health effects, often leading to limited training in handling these cases among healthcare providers. Moreover, PFAS-related health conditions may present symptoms similar to other diseases that can misdiagnose the condition.
PFAS ACT
Senator Jeanne Shaheen introduced The New Veterans Exposed to Toxic PFAS Act, or the VET PFAS Act 2023, which eases access of U.S. veterans to hospital and medical services, including their family members with PFAS-related health conditions, especially those who resided at military installations with known PFAS exposure. The act provides more opportunities for research investigating the health effects of PFAS exposure. This provision establishes diagnostic criteria and equips healthcare providers to handle PFAS cases, which increases the odds of detecting an actual PFAS-related health condition. There will also be an increase in the number of PFAS diagnostic centers in the Country, enhancing the biological and environmental detection of PFAS. Most importantly, the act protects active U.S. military personnel from using PFAS by providing safe and effective alternatives. Therefore, it also extends to those citizens who aspire to become U.S. Army personnel.
The VET PFAS Act is a preventive action that addresses the root causes of PFAS-related health problems. Addressing the root causes avoids the onset of disease and its subsequent disabilities. While disability compensations can help alleviate some of the financial burdens of U.S. veterans, such a reactive approach is not sustainable in the long run because more and more people will develop PFAS-related health conditions. Through the VET PFAS Act, healthcare costs and the burden on healthcare systems will be reduced due to the efficient use of resources. As a result, broader public health benefits are achieved, leading to healthier populations, improved quality of life, and reduced need for disability support in the future.
About the Author
Jonathan Sharp is Chief Financial Officer at Environmental Litigation Group, P.C. The law firm, headquartered in Birmingham, Alabama, assists civilian and military firefighters injured by toxic exposure on the job or during active duty.