PFAS chemicals are a group of man-made organic compounds that are commonly found in everyday products. These include nonstick cookware, food packaging, firefighting foam and more. PFAS chemicals are also used to make several types of consumer goods, including stain-resistant clothing and carpets. In this comprehensive guide to PFAS water contamination and cancer lawsuits, you’ll find out how PFAS pollution is linked to various cancers such as leukemia, thyroid cancer, and kidney cancer.
What is PFAS?
Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are a group of man-made chemicals that include PFOA, PFOS, GenX, and many other chemicals. PFAS has been manufactured and used in a variety of industries worldwide since the 1940s.
These chemicals have been linked to a number of serious health concerns, including cancer, reproductive and developmental toxicity, immune system suppression, endocrine disruption, and more. They are persistent in the environment and can accumulate in the human body over time.
There is currently no federal regulation of PFAS in the United States. However, some states have begun to regulate these chemicals, and lawsuits are being filed against companies that have manufactured or used PFAS.
The PFAS Crisis: How PFAS Affects Our Health
There is a lot of confusion surrounding PFAS and how they affect our health. Some say that PFAS are completely safe, while others claim that they cause a variety of health problems. So, what’s the truth?
PFAS are a group of man-made chemicals that have been used in a variety of industries for decades. They are very resistant to heat, oil, water, and stains, which is why they have been used in non-stick cookware, food packaging, carpeting, clothing, and many other products.
Although PFAS are considered to be safe at low levels, there is growing evidence that exposure to these chemicals can lead to a variety of health problems. For example, several studies have linked PFAS exposure to cancer, reproductive issues, thyroid problems, and immune system dysfunction.
So what can you do to protect yourself from PFAS exposure? The best way to avoid exposure is to limit your use of products that contain them. If you must use these products, make sure to follow the manufacturer’s instructions carefully and dispose of them properly when you’re finished. You should also avoid eating food or drinking water that may be contaminated with PFAS.
If you think you may have been exposed to PFAS, talk to your doctor about getting tested. There is no specific treatment for PFAS exposure, but early diagnosis and treatment of any health problems that develop can help minimize the effects of these chemicals on your health.
Where are PFAS Found?
One of the most common questions we get here at Weitz & Luxenberg, particularly from those who have just learned they may have been exposed to PFAS chemicals, is “Where are these things found?”
In short, pretty much everywhere. But to be a little more specific:
- Aqueous film-forming foam (AFFF), which is used by the military and in firefighting, often contains PFAS. This means that if you were employed as a firefighter or in the armed forces, there’s a good chance you were exposed.
- Novelty items like fast-food wrappers and microwave popcorn bags are often coated with PFAS chemicals to help repel water and grease.
- Some shampoos and cosmetics containPFAS because they help create a foamy lather.
- Carpets and upholstery treated with Scotchgard or Teflon often contain PFAS.
- Many food items come into contact with PFAS during the packaging process, as these chemicals are often used in food packaging materials.
Your Legal Rights with Water Contamination
The following is an excerpt from “Your Legal Rights with Water Contamination”, a blog article by Comprehensive Guide To PFAS Water Contamination And Cancer Lawsuits.
When it comes to water contamination, you have certain legal rights. These rights are important to understand, as they can help you hold the responsible parties accountable and get the compensation you deserve.
First and foremost, you have the right to clean water. The United States Constitution does not explicitly guarantee a right to clean water, but the Supreme Court has recognized that access to clean water is essential to life and health. This means that if your water becomes contaminated, you have a right to hold the responsible party accountable.
Second, you have the right to seek compensation for any damages caused by water contamination. If you can prove that the contamination has caused you harm, you may be able to recover damages for your medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
Third, you have the right to file a PFAS water contamination lawsuit against the responsible party to get compensation for harm caused by these harmful chemicals. If you choose to file a lawsuit, you will need to prove that the party was negligent in causing or allowing the contamination to occur. You will also need to show that your injuries were caused by the contamination.
The Effects of PFAS on Human Health
The harmful effects of PFAS on human health have been well-documented in a growing body of scientific research. Studies have linked PFAS exposure to a variety of health problems, including cancer, reproductive and developmental toxicity, immune system dysfunction, thyroid disease, and high cholesterol.
One of the most concerning health effects of PFAS is cancer. Several studies have found that exposure to PFAS can increase the risk of certain types of cancer, including testicular and kidney cancer. In addition, a growing body of evidence suggests that PFAS exposure may be linked to other types of cancers, such as bladder cancer, pancreatic cancer, and leukemia.
While the exact mechanisms by which PFAS increase the risk of cancer are not fully understood, it is clear that this is a serious concern for those who have been exposed to these chemicals. If you or someone you know has been diagnosed with cancer after being exposed to PFAS, it is important to speak with an experienced attorney who can help you understand your legal rights and options.
The Current State of PFAS Contamination in the US
Today, there are over 4,700 known PFAS chemicals—and the list is growing. Every day, we use products that contain these chemicals without knowing it. They’re in our food packaging, our furniture, our clothing, and our cookware.
We also unknowingly ingest them through the food we eat and the water we drink. In fact, studies have shown that nearly every person in the US has PFAS chemicals in their blood.
These chemicals are so pervasive that they’ve been found in the blood of newborn babies and in polar bears living in remote areas of the Arctic.
While most PFAS chemicals are no longer manufactured in the US, they continue to contaminate our environment and our bodies. And because they’re so persistent, they can stay in our system for years—even a lifetime.
The health effects of PFAS exposure are still being studied, but there is mounting evidence linking them to cancer, liver damage, thyroid disease, fertility problems, and other serious health conditions.
With all of this evidence piling up, it’s no wonder that more and more people are filing PFAS contamination lawsuits against the companies responsible for contaminating their water supplies.
A Growing Number of PFAS Contamination Lawsuits
In the past few years, the number of PFAS contamination lawsuits has exploded. Hundreds of lawsuits have been filed against companies like DuPont, 3M, and Chemours – and that number is expected to grow.
These lawsuits are being filed by people who live near sites where PFAS chemicals have been manufactured or used. They claim that the companies knew about the risks associated with these chemicals but failed to warn their employees or the general public.
As a result, they say, these companies are responsible for contaminating their water supplies and making them sick.
So far, courts have been sympathetic to these arguments. In one recent case, a jury awarded $567 million to a group of residents who claimed that 3M’s manufacture of PFAS chemicals had contaminated their water supply. And in another case, a judge ordered DuPont to pay $670 million to residents who said the company had polluted their water with PFAS chemicals.
