PFAS Chemicals: Litigation Over “Forever Chemicals” Intensifies
Have you sustained any injuries or adverse health effects due to PFAS exposure?
Litigation concerning PFAS chemicals claims that many everyday items such as plastic containers, cleaning supplies, personal care items, and other consumer products are contaminated with these man-made chemicals, causing adverse health effects such as cancer and immune suppression.
The use of PFAS is wide-ranging — not only are these found in cookware, carpets, and packaging but they are also used to manufacture some synthetic Class B firefighting foams.
Scientific studies from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) report that there is evidence that PFAS poses certain health risks to human health, as they do not break down over time.
There has been an uptick in PFAS class action lawsuits over the years, targeting manufacturers who use these toxic chemicals in production.
In this article, we will discuss:
- What are PFAS chemicals?
- The dangers of PFAS contamination
- Who can file a PFAS class action lawsuit?
What are PFAS Chemicals?
Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, more commonly known as PFAS, belong to a group of man-made synthetic chemicals that have been in use since before World War II. In the process of production and use of products containing these toxic chemicals, PFAS may migrate into the water, soil, and air.
Due to their chemical makeup, these hazardous chemicals do not easily break down and remain in the environment, making them dangerous to public health. PFAS’ widespread use and environmental impact have caused these dangerous chemicals to be found in the blood of humans and animals all over the world. Repeated exposure to certain PFAS may cause them to build up in the bodies of humans and animals over time.
How Can I Be Exposed to PFAS Chemicals?
There are several ways in which humans can be exposed to PFAS chemicals. Human exposure to PFAS may occur in the following ways:
- Eating fish caught from water contaminated by PFAS
- Eating food packaged in materials that contain PFAS
- Using consumer products that contain PFAS, such as stain-resistant carpeting and water-repellent clothing
- Consuming food grown or raised near places that manufacture or use PFAS
- Drinking contaminated drinking water
PFAS can be found in a wide range of products, such as:
- Some grease-resistant paper used in food packaging, microwave popcorn bags, pizza boxes, and candy/food wrappers
- Fabric treatment for water-resistant clothing
- Household products such as water-repellent used on carpets, cleaning products, non-stick cookware, paints, varnishes, and sealants
- Personal care products and cosmetics such as shampoo, dental floss, eye makeup, and nail polish
- Industrial products
Employees who are involved in the manufacturing and process of PFAS or PFAS-containing materials are at a much higher risk of being exposed than the general population. Workers may be exposed to this hazardous substance through inhalation, skin exposure, or swallowing, but inhalation is seen as the most likely cause of exposure.
As previously mentioned, PFAS are not only found in everyday consumer and home products, but they have also been found in firefighting foam and firefighting gear. This is greatly concerning as the number one cause of death among firefighters is cancer.
As of March 16, the International Association of Fire Fighters is suing the National Fire Protection Association for conspiring with manufacturers to set national standards concerning firefighters’ protective gear. The lawsuit claims that these guidelines enforced gear to contain these hazardous chemicals to meet voluntary standards.
The Dangers of PFAS Contamination
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) shares that research involving humans and PFAS contamination suggests that high PFAS levels may result in the following harmful health effects:
- Changes in liver enzymes
- Decreased vaccine response in children
- Increased risk of high blood pressure or pre-eclampsia in pregnant women
- Small decreases in infant birth weight
- Increased cholesterol levels
- Increased risk of kidney or testicular cancer
Breastfeeding infants may also be exposed to PFAS through breast milk. Children may also be exposed to PFAS if their mothers were exposed to these hazardous chemicals during pregnancy.
However, the American Academy of Pediatrics states that the advantages of breastfeeding still greatly outweigh the potential health risks.
Have you sustained any injuries or adverse health effects due to PFAS exposure?
You may be entitled to compensation. Contact us today.
PFAS Class Action Lawsuits
There are currently many lawsuits regarding the environmental contamination caused by both the use and manufacturing of PFAS in industrial and commercial operations. These lawsuits are not limited to just large manufacturing plants and also include users of products that contain PFAS. Lawsuits related to PFAS contamination have also been made against federal military bases, such as air bases.
As new information regarding PFAS becomes available to the public, individuals who wish to file PFAS class action lawsuits are now exploring new territories. Specifically, in recent years, plaintiffs have filed lawsuits against the alleged use of PFAS chemicals in everyday products such as cosmetic products, fast food packaging, feminine products, and personal hygiene products.
The plaintiffs allege that the products were labeled incorrectly in regard to the chemicals present. They claim that the products were marketed as being safe from harmful chemicals, but contain PFAS which violates laws protecting consumers.
Who Can File a PFAS Lawsuit?
General contamination cases may be difficult to prove due to the widespread use of PFAS chemicals. However, you may be eligible to file a PFAS lawsuit if exposure has led to the following:
- An illness
- Injury
- Other significant health conditions, such as kidney cancer or other forms of cancer, liver damage, increased cholesterol levels, etc.
As PFAS contamination often stems from public drinking water systems or mass-produced products, affecting many people, this may be grounds to file a PFAS class action lawsuit.
If you or a loved one have been injured or developed an adverse health effect due to exposure from PFAS chemicals, you may be eligible to file a PFAS lawsuit and recover compensation for your damages.
Hire an Award-Winning Personal Injury Lawyer Today!
If you or a loved one have suffered damages due to exposure to PFAS chemicals, you may be entitled to financial compensation from filing a PFAS lawsuit.
At Farahi Law Firm, we are committed to helping victims of PFAS contamination recover the compensation they deserve for their injuries and damages. Our dedicated team of lawyers, doctors, and case managers have years of experience handling personal injury claims.
We have recovered millions of dollars for hundreds of clients. We work on a contingency fee basis and offer a No Fee Guarantee policy. This means you won’t need to pay a single cent unless we win your case.
Call us at (844) 824-2955 today for a free, no-obligation case consultation. We are available 24/7!
