PFAS Cancer Lawsuit

Toxic PFAS Chemicals: What are the Risks?

The long history of PFAS chemicals, also known as “forever chemicals,” has taken an immense toll on the health of those exposed.

These synthetic compounds, resistant to water, grease, and heat, have been widely used in various industrial and consumer products since the 1940s.

Their persistence in the environment and the human body is alarming, as they do not break down naturally, leading to widespread and long-lasting contamination.

While there have been extensive efforts to contain, manage, and regulate PFAS chemicals, we’re still far from reversing the damage done.

Regulatory agencies, such as the Environmental Protection Agency, have implemented stricter guidelines, and companies have been pushed to find safer alternatives, but the existing contamination continues to pose serious health risks.

Exposure to PFAS-containing products like AFFF (Aqueous Film-Forming Foam) used in firefighting, firefighting turnout gear, and PFAS-contaminated water has led to severe health problems for countless individuals.

These health issues include various types of cancer, liver damage, thyroid disease, immune system dysfunction, and reproductive and developmental problems.

Communities near military bases, industrial sites, and areas with contaminated water supplies have been particularly hard hit, with residents experiencing higher rates of these health conditions.

The fight for justice and remediation continues as affected individuals seek compensation and medical support through legal avenues.

Lawsuits have been filed against PFAS manufacturers, aiming to hold them accountable for the varying types of harm caused by their products.

What Are PFAS Chemicals and Why Are They Used?

PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances) are a group of man-made chemicals known for their resistance to heat, water, and oil.

PFAS are used in a variety of industrial and consumer products, including non-stick cookware, water-repellent clothing, stain-resistant fabrics, and firefighting foams.

The durability and chemical stability of PFAS make them highly effective for these applications.

However, the persistence of PFAS in the environment and the human body has raised significant health and safety concerns.

Due to their widespread use and resistance to degradation, PFAS have been dubbed “forever chemicals.”

Historical Use of PFAS in Military Settings

The military has historically used PFAS extensively, particularly in aqueous film-forming foam (AFFF), a PFAS-containing firefighting foam used for fuel fires.

The development of AFFF began in the 1960s, a joint effort by the U.S. Navy and 3M Company to create an effective firefighting foam.

AFFF was highly valued for its ability to rapidly extinguish hydrocarbon fuel fires, a critical capability for military operations.

The foam’s effectiveness in suppressing fires made it a standard issue at military bases and airports, where training exercises and real-life fire emergencies regularly occurred.

By the 1970s, AFFF was in extensive use at military installations worldwide.

Over 700 military sites in the U.S. alone are known or suspected to have used AFFF, resulting in significant PFAS contamination.

This widespread application included both training exercises and emergency responses, leading to the release of PFAS into the environment through runoff into soil and water sources.

Health Impact of PFAS Chemicals on Military Bases

The pervasive use of PFAS chemicals in military settings, particularly through aqueous film-forming foam (AFFF), has led to significant health and environmental challenges.

Studies have consistently shown that these “forever chemicals” do not break down in the environment, leading to long-term contamination of soil and water sources.

This persistent contamination has resulted in alarming health outcomes among military personnel and surrounding communities.

One of the most concerning health impacts of PFAS exposure is the increased incidence of cancer.

Research has linked these chemicals to kidney, testicular, and prostate cancers, with military personnel exhibiting higher rates of these diseases due to prolonged exposure on bases.

For instance, an internal Department of Defense study found that over 175,000 service members were served unsafe water containing PFAS at levels exceeding the EPA’s advisory limits.

The true number of those affected could be much higher, considering many sites have PFAS concentrations far above safety thresholds​.

Environmental Impact of PFAS Chemicals on Military Bases

Environmental impacts are equally severe, with more than 600 military sites confirmed or suspected of PFAS contamination in the U.S.

The contamination of drinking water sources is particularly troubling, as it affects not only military bases but also adjacent civilian communities.

Areas like Fort Benning in Georgia and Pearl Harbor in Hawaii have reported PFAS levels in the tens of thousands of parts per trillion, vastly exceeding the EPA’s safety guidelines.

This widespread contamination has led to extensive bioaccumulation in local wildlife, disrupting ecosystems and presenting further risks to human health through the food chain. 

Efforts to mitigate these impacts have included phasing out the use of PFAS-containing AFFF and investing in research for safer alternatives.

However, the transition is challenging due to the effectiveness of PFAS in firefighting applications and the lack of equally efficient substitutes.

The National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2020 mandates the cessation of fluorinated AFFF by 2024, but significant cleanup efforts are still required.

Health Impacts of Exposure to PFAS Chemicals

A growing body of scientific research has linked PFAS exposure to various health problems.

Studies have shown that PFAS can accumulate in the human body and persist for long periods, leading to adverse health effects.

Notable investigations include those conducted by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the World Health Organization (WHO), and independent research institutions.

The CDC studied the extent of how PFAS contamination affects the American population as a whole.

Based on their findings, the EPA developed various action plans and restrictions to mitigate the use of PFAS across different industries.

The WHO published a guideline and study about drinking water quality for local and national government units to ensure that individuals are minimally exposed to PFAS.

These publications have identified associations between PFAS exposure and a range of health issues, including developmental effects in children, decreased fertility, hormone disruption, increased cholesterol levels, and compromised immune systems.

Specific Cancers Linked to PFAS Exposure

PFAS is known to cause a range of severe diseases, from immune and developmental impairments to liver diseases and cancer.

Here are some of the most common types of cancer observed in PFAS-exposed patients:

• Kidney Cancer: PFAS can cause kidney cancer by damaging the kidneys’ filtering units and affecting essential hormones that regulate blood pressure and red blood cell production.
  • This damage can lead to the development of malignant cells in the kidney tissue, increasing the risk of kidney cancer​.
• Prostate Cancer: Exposure to PFAS has been linked to a higher risk of developing prostate cancer, which can affect fertility and sexual function in men.
  • The mechanisms include hormonal disruption and inflammation, which contribute to the proliferation of cancerous cells in the prostate.
• Testicular Cancer: PFAS exposure has been associated with an increased risk of testicular cancer, particularly among firefighters and military personnel who have been frequently exposed to AFFF.
  • The exact mechanisms are still under study, but the correlation between PFAS exposure and higher incidence rates of testicular cancer is well-documented.
• Thyroid Cancer: Studies have shown that thyroid disease and cancer are more prevalent in individuals exposed to PFAS.
  • PFAS chemicals disrupt thyroid hormones, leading to conditions such as hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism, which can escalate to thyroid cancer over time.
  • The interference with the endocrine system is a primary pathway through which PFAS contributes to thyroid abnormalities.
• Liver Cancer: The liver, responsible for filtering toxins and chemicals from the body, is particularly vulnerable to PFAS exposure.
  • PFAS can cause significant liver damage, leading to various liver diseases, including cancer.
• Breast Cancer: Women with higher levels of PFAS in their blood are at increased risk of developing breast cancer.
  • These chemicals can disrupt hormone production and increase inflammation in breast tissue, leading to cancerous cell growth.

It’s essential to note that these are just some examples of cancers linked to PFAS exposure.

As researchers continue to study the long-term effects of PFAS on human health, they may uncover more cancer types occurring in PFAS exposure.

PFAS Lawsuits Explained

Legal action regarding PFAS began formulating in the early 2000s when communities and individuals started experiencing health impacts associated with PFAS contamination.

The primary litigation addressing these issues is MDL 2873, which consolidates cases related to AFFF foam exposure.

This multidistrict litigation encompasses personal injury claims from individuals directly exposed to AFFF, particularly firefighters and military personnel.

Additionally, the AFFF Lawsuit includes water contamination lawsuits filed by communities and water authorities against manufacturers for polluting drinking water supplies with PFAS.

These cases seek compensation for medical expenses, environmental cleanup, and punitive damages due to the harmful effects of PFAS.

TorHoerman Law is currently accepting new clients for the AFFF Firefighting Foam Lawsuit.

Reach out to us today for a free consultation to find out if you qualify for the AFFF Lawsuit instantly.

Several multi-million dollar settlements have been awarded to government units and communities impacted by PFAS contamination, raising the hope for more substantial compensation for affected individuals.

Outside of the AFFF Litigation, our PFAS Lawyers are investigating personal injury claims related to PFAS contaminated drinking water, specifically on or around US military installations.

If you or a loved one were exposed to PFAS contaminated groundwater or drinking water and subsequently developed cancer or other serious health concerns, you may be eligible to file a PFAS Lawsuit.

Contact TorHoerman Law for a free consultation, or use the chatbot on this page to find out if you qualify for a PFAS Lawsuit instantly.

Major PFAS Manufacturers Named in Lawsuits

Several major companies have been implicated in PFAS-related lawsuits due to their role in producing and distributing PFAS-containing products.

Companies named in PFAS Lawsuit claims include:

• 3M: As one of the primary manufacturers of AFFF, 3M has been heavily involved in producing PFAS chemicals.
  • The company supplied AFFF to military bases and firefighting organizations, leading to widespread contamination and numerous lawsuits alleging it knew about the health risks but continued production
• DuPont: DuPont has faced numerous lawsuits due to its production of PFAS-based products, including AFFF.
  • Despite restructuring and spinning off Chemours, DuPont remains a key defendant in PFAS litigation, accused of long-term knowledge of the chemicals’ dangers.
• Chemours: A spinoff from DuPont, Chemours inherited much of the PFAS-related liabilities.
  • The company continues to produce PFAS chemicals, and it is implicated in various lawsuits concerning environmental contamination and health risks associated with PFAS chemicals.
• Tyco Fire Products: This company, a subsidiary of Johnson Controls, is a significant manufacturer of AFFF.
  • Tyco has been involved in several high-profile lawsuits, including a class action settlement worth more than $750M in Wisconsin, and continues to face litigation over PFAS contamination from its firefighting foams​.
• Chemguard: Another major producer of AFFF, Chemguard, is named in multiple lawsuits for its role in manufacturing and distributing PFAS-containing firefighting foams.
• Kidde-Fenwal: Involved in producing AFFF, Kidde-Fenwal has faced legal challenges and filed for bankruptcy amid mounting lawsuits.

These companies have been accused of failing to adequately inform the public and regulatory bodies about the potential health risks associated with PFAS despite knowing these dangers.

PFAS and Water Contamination: The New PFAS Lawsuit?

Water contamination has been a prevalent issue due to PFAS containing firefighting foam.

PFAS in water supplies is particularly widespread near military bases, airports, and industrial sites where AFFF has been extensively used.

PFAS enter water supplies through runoff from these sites, leaching into groundwater and surface water, and persisting due to their resistant nature.

According to a 2022 study by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), over 200 million Americans could have PFAS in their drinking water at levels above safe limits.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) found that PFAS are detectable in the blood of 97% of Americans.

Communities around contaminated sites have reported increased rates of cancer and other health problems.

As a result, water contamination lawsuits are becoming a crucial aspect of PFAS litigation, focusing on the need for clean-up and compensation for affected residents.

Lawyers are currently investigating PFAS cases from individuals who have developed cancer or other serious health problems after drinking water contaminated by forever chemicals.

Contact us today for a free consultation, or use the chatbot on this page to get in touch with our PFAS Lawyers today.

Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Issues New Regulations for PFAS Levels in Water

The EPA’s new regulations for PFAS levels in water mark a significant step towards protecting public health.

These regulations set stringent limits on PFAS concentrations, with the maximum contaminant levels for PFOA and PFOS now at 4 parts per trillion.

After years of research and public input, the EPA has given final approval to these standards, which are among the strictest in the world.

This move aims to reduce the presence of these harmful chemicals in drinking water and mitigate their health risks.

Water authorities across the nation are now tasked with implementing these regulations to ensure safe drinking water for all communities.

What is the AFFF Firefighting Foam Lawsuit?

The AFFF Firefighting Foam MDL is a consolidated lawsuit in the US District Court for the District of South Carolina.

The plaintiffs in these cases are primarily firefighters, military personnel, and airport workers who were directly exposed to AFFF and developed health issues such as cancer.

Unlike PFAS Water Contamination Lawsuits, which can involve individuals, entire communities, and water authorities seeking compensation for related health problems and remediation, the AFFF Lawsuits focus on personal injury claims from individuals with direct exposure.

The litigation aims to secure compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, and other damages resulting from direct AFFF exposure.

Do You Qualify for a PFAS Cancer Lawsuit?

Individuals who have developed health problems related to drinking water contaminated by PFAS chemicals may have the right to seek compensation from the parties responsible for exposure.

It’s important for people who have been exposed to PFAS in drinking water to contact a lawyer who specializes in cases involving PFAS pollution to better understand their legal rights and options.

An experienced lawyer can provide insight on a person’s case, establish the links between exposure to PFAS chemicals and their health problems, and find the right strategy to seek compensation from those responsible.

Lawyers will work to establish liability, gather evidence for the case, and advocate for maximum compensation.

Gathering Evidence for PFAS Lawsuits

Strong evidence is the cornerstone of a successful PFAS claim.

An experienced lawyer helps to gather comprehensive evidence for a case, aiming to demonstrate the ways in which PFAS chemicals have impacted a person’s health and quality of life.

Sufficient evidence is absolutely required in a PFAS Lawsuit.

Possible evidence in a PFAS Lawsuit may include:

• Medical records: Detailed documentation of diagnoses, treatments, and medical history that link health issues to PFAS exposure.
• Employment records: Proof of employment in industries or locations where PFAS exposure is known to occur, such as military bases, firefighting units, or chemical manufacturing plants.
  • Also in the case of lost wages due to exposure to PFAS and subsequent health impacts.
• Water test results: Evidence of PFAS contamination in local water supplies, often obtained through environmental testing and laboratory analysis.
• Personal testimonies: Statements from the affected individuals and their families describing the health impacts and quality of life changes due to PFAS exposure.
• Expert testimonies: Analysis and opinions from medical and environmental experts who can provide insights into the link between PFAS exposure and specific health outcomes.
• Environmental reports: Documentation from environmental agencies and organizations detailing PFAS contamination levels and the history of PFAS use and disposal in specific areas.

These types of evidence are crucial for building a compelling case and demonstrating the extent of harm caused by PFAS exposure.

PFAS-related lawsuits are a broad category of claims against major manufacturers.

There is a mass tort lawsuit addressing the effects of toxic firefighting foam, known as MDL 2873, but there is not currently a consolidated litigation for individual personal injury cases due to water contamination.

Lawyers are currently investigating personal injury lawsuits for individuals exposed to PFAS contaminated water.

Damages in PFAS Lawsuit Claims

Damages are the total amount of losses incurred as a result of exposure to PFAS and subsequent medical problems.

Damages claimed by individuals in PFAS Lawsuits depend on the specific circumstances present in each case.

An experienced lawyer can help a person assess and calculate damages in their case, advocating for compensation that adequately covers the harm suffered.

Possible damages in PFAS Lawsuit claims include:

• Medical Expenses: Compensation for past, present, and future medical costs related to PFAS exposure.
• Lost Wages and Earning Capacity: Plaintiffs may receive compensation for income lost due to illness and the inability to work, as well as diminished earning capacity if the plaintiff is unable to return to their previous occupation or has to take a lower-paying job due to health issues.
• Pain and Suffering: Damages for the physical pain and emotional distress experienced as a result of PFAS-related health problems.
• Property Damage: Compensation for the devaluation of property due to PFAS contamination.
• Loss of Consortium: Compensation for the impact of PFAS exposure on personal relationships, including the loss of companionship, support, and intimacy with a spouse or family member.
• Other Compensatory and Punitive Damages

TorHoerman Law: Talk to Our PFAS Lawyers Today

The catastrophic and sometimes fatal effects of PFAS contamination on the human body cannot be overstated.

Victims of PFAS exposure deserve fair compensation for their suffering, and our team at TorHoerman Law is committed to fighting for their rights.

Contact us today for a free consultation.

You can also use the chatbot on this page for a quick and free case evaluation.