Perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are man-made chemicals that do not break down in the environment and can be found in fire-fighting foam. In the 1970s, the Department of Defense (DOD) began using these foams to fight fuel fires.
The release of these chemicals into the environment during training and emergency responses is a major source of PFAS contamination of ground water on military bases. According to DOD data, more than 700 U.S. military sites are known or likely to have discharged PFAS. PFAS exposure has been related to several diseases including increased risk for kidney cancer, breast cancer, testicular cancer and liver cancer.
The VA does not concede PFAS exposure to those who served at any location, nor have related any diseases to the exposure. This requires veterans seeking VA disability claims for illnesses or diseases related to those exposures to prove their individual PFAS exposure and the relationship to the illness.
1360 would require DOD to provide periodic health assessments of those service members exposed, known to or suspected to be exposed. Additionally, the legislation would require DOD and VA to enter into an agreement to share the exposure and health assessments.
DAV supports the PFAS Exposure Assessment and Documentation Act, in accordance with DAV Resolution No. 072. The bill would require documentation of the exposure and sharing of the information with VA. This will assist veterans in establishing their exposure and related disability claims.
Please take action today. Contact your Senators to co-sponsor S. 1360 to ensure documentation of PFAS exposure while on active duty. Thank you for your support.