Summary
This issue brief addresses the contamination of water by perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) on military bases. PFAS are man-made chemicals used in various products, including firefighting foams, which have led to significant groundwater contamination at military sites. The Department of Defense (DoD) has identified over 700 military locations with known or likely PFAS discharges. The brief discusses the findings of the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine (NASEM) regarding health risks associated with PFAS exposure, including links to kidney cancer and other health issues. Despite these findings, the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) does not recognize PFAS exposure for veterans, requiring them to prove individual exposure for disability claims. The brief outlines legislative recommendations from the Disabled American Veterans (DAV) to establish a registry for exposed individuals and to create presumptive conditions for various health issues related to PFAS exposure, emphasizing the need for recognition and action regarding this public health concern.
