PFAS Health Effects: Cancer Risks & Long-Term Dangers
Reviewed by: ClaimCheckUSA Medical & Legal TeamLast updated: March 26, 2026Reading time: 9 min
IARC 2023 Classification Update
In 2023, the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) classified PFOA as a Group 1 carcinogen (definitely causes cancer in humans) and PFOS as a Group 2B carcinogen (possibly causes cancer). This significantly strengthens AFFF lawsuit claims.
PFAS-Linked Cancers
Bladder Cancer
Strong2–3× higher risk
Most strongly linked to PFAS exposure; common in firefighters and military personnel
Kidney Cancer
Strong2× higher risk
PFOA (a PFAS chemical) classified as a Group 1 carcinogen for kidney cancer by IARC in 2023
PFAS disrupts thyroid hormone production; linked to both thyroid cancer and hypothyroidism
Prostate Cancer
Moderate1.5× higher risk
Elevated risk in occupationally exposed workers
Breast Cancer
Moderate1.4× higher risk
Linked to PFAS-induced hormonal disruption
Pancreatic Cancer
EmergingUnder study
Preliminary evidence; research ongoing
Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma
EmergingUnder study
Some studies show elevated risk in highly exposed populations
Non-Cancer Health Effects
Immune system suppression
PFAS reduce vaccine effectiveness and immune response, particularly in children
Thyroid disease
PFAS interfere with thyroid hormone production, causing hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism
High cholesterol
PFAS exposure is strongly linked to elevated LDL cholesterol levels
Liver damage
PFAS accumulate in liver tissue and can cause elevated liver enzymes and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease
Reproductive harm
PFAS are linked to reduced fertility, pregnancy-induced hypertension, and low birth weight
Developmental effects
Children exposed to PFAS may experience delayed development and reduced immune function
Ulcerative colitis
PFAS exposure is associated with increased risk of inflammatory bowel disease
Exposed to PFAS and Developed Cancer?
If you were exposed to AFFF firefighting foam and developed cancer, you may be entitled to significant compensation. Check your eligibility in 60 seconds.
PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances) are a group of over 12,000 man-made chemicals used since the 1940s in products including firefighting foam (AFFF), non-stick cookware, water-resistant clothing, food packaging, and many industrial applications. They are called 'forever chemicals' because the carbon-fluorine bond is one of the strongest in chemistry — PFAS do not break down in the environment or the human body.
How do PFAS cause cancer?
PFAS cause cancer through multiple mechanisms: (1) they accumulate in organs and tissues over time, reaching toxic concentrations; (2) they disrupt hormone signalling, particularly thyroid and sex hormones; (3) they suppress immune surveillance, reducing the body's ability to detect and destroy cancer cells; (4) some PFAS directly damage DNA; and (5) they promote inflammation, which is a known cancer driver.
How do I know if I've been exposed to PFAS?
Common exposure routes include: occupational exposure to AFFF firefighting foam (military, airports, industrial facilities); drinking water contaminated by AFFF training sites or industrial facilities; living near military bases or airports where AFFF was used; consuming food grown in PFAS-contaminated soil; and using certain consumer products (non-stick cookware, stain-resistant carpets). A blood test can measure PFAS levels in your body.
Is there a blood test for PFAS exposure?
Yes. A blood serum test can measure the levels of specific PFAS compounds in your body. Normal background levels are typically under 2 ng/mL. Occupationally exposed individuals often have levels of 10–100 ng/mL or higher. While a blood test alone does not prove causation, it can be important evidence in a lawsuit and can help your doctor assess your health risks.
Can PFAS exposure be reversed?
PFAS cannot be removed from the body through any currently available treatment. However, once exposure stops, PFAS levels in blood gradually decrease over time — the half-life of most PFAS in humans is 3–8 years. Reducing ongoing exposure (filtering drinking water, avoiding PFAS-containing products) is the most effective way to prevent further accumulation.