The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) has announced plans to conduct a scientific assessment to explore potential connections between military environmental exposures, specifically to Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), and kidney cancer. This study will focus on U.S. service members who may have encountered PFAS during their military service. The VA is seeking public comments on the significance of this assessment and will hold a virtual public listening session on 19 November 2024.
Understanding PFAS Exposure in Veterans
Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are synthetic chemicals used in various industrial applications, including firefighting foams and heat-resistant products. Many veterans, especially those involved in fire-fighting or stationed in areas where PFAS-containing products were used, may have been exposed to these substances during their military service. PFAS exposure has been linked to various health conditions, but the connection to kidney cancer, in particular, remains under scrutiny. The VA's upcoming assessment aims to clarify this potential link by reviewing historical claims data and scientific literature.
Key Focus of the VA’s Assessment
The assessment will examine the possible correlation between PFAS exposure and kidney cancer, focusing on veterans who may have experienced environmental or occupational exposure during their service. The VA has formed a technical working group (TWG) that includes experts in environmental health and toxicology. This group was established following recommendations from the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine (NASEM), which emphasised the need for clinical follow-up on PFAS exposure.
The VA has also stated that additional medical conditions may be reviewed for similar associations with military environmental exposures. This review could lead to future policies regarding service-connected benefits for veterans impacted by toxic exposures.
Public Participation and Listening Session
The VA encourages public input and has opened a comment period, inviting feedback on the importance of conducting this assessment. Veterans, healthcare professionals, and researchers are particularly encouraged to participate in a virtual listening session on 19 November 2024. This session, hosted on Webex, will allow the public to present their comments, concerns, and any relevant research regarding PFAS exposure and its health implications for veterans.
Those wishing to comment can register for the session by 15 November 2024, and will have the option to submit written or verbal feedback. The VA has noted that this session will help guide the future scope of its investigations into PFAS exposure and associated health outcomes.
Next Steps in VA’s Research
Following the public listening session and review of submitted comments, the VA will proceed with a formal scientific assessment. If the findings suggest a significant link between PFAS exposure and kidney cancer, it could lead to rulemaking changes and the potential recognition of kidney cancer as a presumptive condition for veterans exposed to PFAS. This could enhance access to healthcare and benefits for veterans diagnosed with this condition.
