New research published on September 18, 2026, reveals that many US military veterans carry much higher concentrations of PFAS—commonly known as 'forever chemicals'—in their blood compared to civilians. The study, led by Brown University, is the first to directly compare veterans' blood levels with those of the general population, according to a report in The Guardian.
PFAS contamination around military installations has been a recognized problem for more than a decade, as the chemicals have been widely used in firefighting foam deployed during training exercises and emergency responses. This has led to elevated levels of the substances in groundwater, surface water, and soil at bases across the country.
The findings raise fresh questions about the long-term health consequences for service members who spent time at these polluted sites. While the link between military service and PFAS exposure has been suspected, this study provides the first direct evidence comparing veterans to civilians, according to the researchers.
The study did not specify the exact levels of increase, nor did it address the specific health outcomes associated with the elevated exposures, but it underscores the ongoing environmental and public health challenges tied to PFAS contamination at military facilities.