MOAA and Disabled American Veterans (DAV) released "Ending the Wait for Toxic-Exposed Veterans" in September 2024. (Photos, from left: Army; Tech Sgt. David McLeod/Air Force; Sgt. Anthony l. Ortiz/Marine Corps)

Note from MOAA: This article was originally published at DAV.org in support of Ending the Wait for Toxic-Exposed Veterans, a joint DAV/MOAA report offering a blueprint for reforming toxic exposure-related benefits. Learn more about the report at this link.

Six years ago, retired Army Lt. Col. Gary Sauer was diagnosed with non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma, a type of blood cancer. He had no family history of cancer, and testing confirmed he wasn’t genetically predisposed.

But over his 22-year military career, Sauer — who was also diagnosed with a rare kidney disease — served at numerous installations known to have the presence of perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS).

These synthetic “forever chemicals” are found in everything from clothing to cookware. With enough exposure, PFAS have been shown to cause cancer, thyroid disease, reproductive problems and other health issues.

“It’s a disease that can just be monitored and treated,” Sauer said of his cancer diagnosis. “But you know, at the end of the day, it may result in losing my life over it.”