New research published in a peer-reviewed journal suggests that many U.S. military veterans have significantly higher levels of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFA), often referred to as "forever chemicals," in their blood compared to non-veterans. These chemicals are known for their persistence in the environment and potential to cause serious health issues, including cancer, liver damage, and immune system problems. The study, led by Brown University, is the first to directly compare PFA levels in veterans' blood with those of civilians, highlighting concerns about the long-term health risks faced by service members after exposure during their time at military bases. PFA contamination is widespread around U.S. military bases, where the chemicals were commonly used in firefighting foam during training and emergencies. Groundwater, surface water, and soil at these bases have some of the highest levels of PFA pollution in the country. The study found that the issue is particularly pronounced among younger veterans. It estimated that 23 million veterans aged 20–39 have PFA levels in their blood that are 13% to 24% higher than non-veterans, depending on the specific chemical compound. Younger veterans were also more likely to have dangerous levels of PFA—18% more likely than non-veterans of the same age to exceed the threshold at which medical monitoring is recommended. PFA are a class of at least 16,000 synthetic compounds used in products to resist water, stains, and heat. Because they do not break down naturally, they accumulate in the environment and in the human body over time. The military is in the process of phasing out PFA-based firefighting foam due to its widespread contamination of water and soil at more than 720 bases nationwide. The chemicals are also released through burn pits, where the military burns munitions and waste, releasing a toxic mix of substances, including PFA. Groundwater contamination at some bases has reached as high as 1.1 million parts per trillion (ppt), with the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) noting that even extremely low levels, such as 0.004ppt, can increase cancer risk. Despite these clear health risks, blood levels of service members are not regularly monitored. Previous research has linked elevated PFA levels in people living near a contaminated base in New Mexico to the general population. The Brown University study analyzed data from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control's National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) from 2003 to 2018, but it did not find similar elevated levels among older veterans. Researchers acknowledged limitations in their study, such as not knowing the specific occupations or exposure histories of the veterans. Nonetheless, they emphasized that the findings strongly indicate widespread exposure. They also called for a renewed commitment to the social contract between the government and service members, arguing that those who serve the nation should be protected from health risks after their service ends.