[2024 Update]
Military personnel face unique health risks due to exposure to dangerous chemicals, including per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS). PFAS, sometimes called “forever chemicals” because they do not break down easily, have been linked to various serious health conditions, including kidney cancer. For those who served in the military and now suffer from kidney cancer, there may be legal remedies available.
PFAS and Kidney Cancer
PFAS are man-made chemicals used in a variety of industrial and military applications. One of the most significant sources of PFAS exposure for military members comes from aqueous film-forming foam (AFFF), commonly used to extinguish fuel fires. AFFF has been widely used on military bases for firefighting training and emergency response, leading to widespread contamination of groundwater and drinking water supplies.
Moreover, recent studies have shown a troubling link between PFAS exposure and kidney cancer. PFAS accumulate in the bloodstream over time, and exposure to these chemicals has been associated with a higher risk of developing certain types of cancer, including kidney cancer. You can learn more about the health effects of PFAS by visiting the EPA’s website discussing PFAS and kidney cancer.
Military Exposure to PFAS
Military service members and their families may have been unknowingly exposed to PFAS through contaminated drinking water on bases or via direct exposure to AFFF. Specifically, military firefighters face increased risks due to frequent contact with the foam. The contamination of groundwater near military installations has raised serious concerns about long-term health impacts, including kidney cancer, as PFAS levels in drinking water on many bases have been found to exceed safe limits. Accordingly, the DOD created a list of bases with the most contamination.
AFFF Product Liability MDL and 3M Settlement
In recent years, numerous lawsuits have been filed against manufacturers of AFFF, including 3M, under the AFFF Product Liability Multidistrict Litigation (MDL). These lawsuits claim that manufacturers knew about the dangers of PFAS exposure but failed to adequately warn users. In 2023, 3M reached a historic settlement of $10.3 billion to address water contamination claims linked to AFFF use, marking a major step toward justice for those impacted by PFAS exposure. However, 3M has not currently reached an agreement to settle kidney cancer and other personal injury claims. The Court has ordered personal injury trials and settlement negotiations are ongoing.
Legal Remedies for Military Personnel
If you or a loved one served in the military and developed kidney cancer linked to PFAS exposure, you may be entitled to compensation. Potential legal remedies include filing a personal injury lawsuit against the manufacturers of AFFF or joining the ongoing AFFF Product Liability MDL. Furthermore, victims may be eligible to recover damages for medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and more.
Conclusion
Military members deserve to be protected from hazardous chemicals, but many have been unknowingly exposed to PFAS through AFFF use. If you are a military veteran with kidney cancer linked to PFAS exposure, legal help is available to seek compensation for your suffering. Contact us today for a free consultation.
