PFAS Lawsuit [July 2024 Update] | PFAS Contamination Lawsuits

What are PFAS Chemicals and Why are They Dangerous?

Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are a group of man-made chemicals that have been used in various industrial and consumer products since the 1950s for their water- and grease-resistant properties.

PFAS are often referred to as “forever chemicals”.

PFAS accumulate in the body because they resist degradation and bind to proteins, leading to their buildup in blood, liver, and other tissues over time.

Studies have shown that even low levels of exposure to PFAS can significantly increase the risk of health issues such as cancer, liver damage, thyroid disease, decreased fertility, and developmental problems in children.

PFAS contamination of water supplies has affected millions of people, particularly those living near industrial sites, military bases, and airports where these chemicals are commonly used.

As a result of their widespread use and persistence, PFAS contamination has led to numerous lawsuits and regulatory actions aimed at holding manufacturers and polluters accountable for the harm caused.

The History of PFAS

Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are synthetic chemicals first developed in the 1940s.

They gained widespread use due to their ability to resist grease, heat, water, and oil.

Major manufacturers like 3M and DuPont began producing PFAS for a variety of applications, including non-stick cookware, water-repellent fabrics, and firefighting foams.

Concerns about the environmental and health impacts of PFAS began to surface in the 1960s and 1970s, with internal studies indicating potential toxicity.

Despite this, the production and use of PFAS continued to grow until the early 2000s when regulatory scrutiny increased and significant efforts to phase out certain PFAS compounds began.

Here is a timeline of events related to PFAS:

• 1940s: PFAS were first synthesized and introduced for commercial use.
  • PFAS were first developed and introduced by 3M and DuPont for their unique water and oil-resistant properties.
  • Initially used in non-stick cookware (e.g., Teflon) and water-repellent fabrics due to their chemical stability and durability.
• 1950s-1960s: PFAS began to be widely used in consumer products and industrial applications.
  • PFAS usage expanded into a variety of consumer products and industrial applications, including firefighting foams, textiles, and paper products.
  • Internal studies by manufacturers and military organizations began to reveal potential environmental and health impacts, although these findings were not widely publicized​.
  • After the 1967 USS Forrestal fire, the US Military made it mandatory to carry AFFF foam on ships.
• 1970s: Growing awareness of the environmental persistence of PFAS, as they were found to resist degradation in the environment and accumulate in living organisms.
  • Studies indicated the chemicals’ potential toxicity to aquatic life and possible health risks to humans.
  • The military’s extensive use of Aqueous Film-Forming Foam (AFFF) containing PFAS for firefighting training and emergency response highlighted significant contamination risks to soil and groundwater near bases.
  • Research and internal reports by manufacturers and the military confirmed the toxic nature of PFAS, leading to calls for better management and regulation, although substantial regulatory actions were still lacking.
• 1980s: Despite growing awareness, the production and use of PFAS compounds expanded.
  • PFAS remained prevalent in various industrial applications and consumer products, such as non-stick cookware and stain-resistant fabrics​.
  • Research began to uncover the widespread environmental presence of PFAS, raising concerns about their long-term ecological impacts​.
  • Regulatory bodies started to monitor PFAS contamination, particularly in water sources near manufacturing sites, but comprehensive regulations were not yet in place.
• 1990s: Growing scientific data on the health effects of PFAS begin to influence industry changes.
  • Increased scientific research linked PFAS exposure to various health issues, including developmental problems and potential carcinogenic effects​.
  • Some manufacturers began voluntarily phasing out specific PFAS compounds like PFOA and PFOS in response to growing health concerns
  • Environmental agencies, such as the EPA, started developing guidelines and advisories for PFAS in drinking water, marking the initial steps toward regulatory control​.
• 2000s: Regulatory agencies started to take action, leading to the phase-out of some PFAS compounds.
  • Certain compounds, such as PFOA and PFOS, were phased out under pressure from environmental groups and regulatory bodies.
  • The first major lawsuits emerged as communities and environmental organizations sued manufacturers for contamination and health impacts. Notable cases included those against 3M and DuPont​.
• 2010s-present: Increased regulatory actions and public awareness led to significant legal and cleanup efforts.
  • The EPA and other international regulatory bodies implemented stricter regulations on PFASlevels in drinking water and other environments.
  • This includes the establishment of Maximum Contaminant Levels (MCLs) for several PFAS compounds.
  • Legal battles continue as more communities discover PFAS contamination in their water supplies. Manufacturers and the military face numerous lawsuits related to health impacts from PFAS exposure.
  • Public awareness has surged, leading to significant cleanup efforts funded by government initiatives, such as the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, which allocates billions of dollars to address PFAS contamination.

Recent Government Regulation on PFAS Chemicals

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has taken significant steps to regulate PFAS chemicals due to their persistent and harmful effects on human health and the environment.

Recently, the EPA and the White House finalized the first-ever National Primary Drinking Water Regulation for six PFAS, setting enforceable limits to protect public health.

This rule mandates public water systems to monitor and reduce PFAS levels, aiming to prevent thousands of deaths and serious illnesses related to these chemicals.

The EPA also proposed designating PFOA and PFOS as hazardous substances under the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act (CERCLA).

This designation will require immediate reporting of significant releases and facilitate cleanup efforts, ensuring polluters are held accountable.

The EPA’s PFAS Strategic Roadmap outlines a comprehensive approach to addressing PFAS contamination, including $10 billion in funding from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law to support testing, monitoring, and treatment efforts across the country.

Routes and Risks of Exposure to PFAS

Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) enter the environment through various industrial and consumer processes, leading to widespread contamination.

Once in the environment, PFAS can persist for long periods due to their resistance to natural degradation processes, resulting in accumulation in water bodies and soil​.

Human exposure to PFAS typically occurs through ingestion of contaminated water or food, inhalation of contaminated air, and contact with products containing PFAS.

Research has linked PFAS exposure to several health problems, including developmental effects in children, increased risk of cancer, liver damage, immune system suppression, and thyroid hormone disruption.

The persistent nature of PFAS means that even low levels of exposure can lead to significant health risks over time​.

Local Water Supplies

Drinking water is a major source of exposure, particularly in areas near industrial sites or military bases where PFAS have been used extensively.

PFAS pollution can enter public water supplies through various pathways.

Industrial discharge of wastewater containing PFAS directly into rivers and lakes can seep into the groundwater.

Runoff from sites where PFAS are manufactured or used can carry these contaminants into surrounding water bodies.

Landfills that receive waste containing PFAS can leach these substances into the groundwater, affecting both municipal and private wells.

Agricultural practices, such as the use of biosolids (sewage sludge) as fertilizer, can also contribute to PFAS contamination in water supplies.

The Environmental Working Group (EWG) and the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) have mapped the widespread contamination of drinking water by PFAS, showing just how destructive these chemicals have been to local water supplies across the country.

The interactive map from the EWG is available here.

Some of the most notable and well-known areas that have experienced PFAS water contamination include:

• Cape Fear River, North Carolina: The Cape Fear region has been heavily impacted by PFAS contamination, particularly from GenX chemicals used in industrial processes.
• Vancouver, Washington: In Vancouver, several water stations tested above state action levels for PFAS, prompting immediate action to mitigate the contamination.
  • The remediation costs for Vancouver’s water system could exceed $235 million​.
• Massachusetts: PFAS contamination has been found in at least 173 public drinking water systems across 86 communities in Massachusetts.
• Grayling, Michigan: Grayling has been grappling with PFAS contamination in groundwater wells, particularly affecting residents near Camp Grayling, a National Guard training facility that frequently used toxic firefighting foam.
  • The Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy is considering a $25.6 million grant to extend the municipal water line to replace contaminated wells.
• Stuart, Florida: Stuart discovered harmful levels of PFAS in its water supply in 2016, leading to significant legal action against manufacturers like 3M.
  • This case is a bellwether for thousands of similar lawsuits in the AFFF litigation.
• Parkersburg, West Virginia: Parkersburg became widely known following the 2019 film “Dark Waters,” which highlighted the extensive PFAS contamination and subsequent lawsuits filed over the chemical’s harmful effects.
• Hoosick Falls, New York: Hoosick Falls has been a focal point for PFAS contamination due to industrial activities by Saint-Gobain Performance Plastics and Honeywell International.
  • The contamination has led to extensive testing, water filtration upgrades, and legal settlements worth over $65 million to address the health risks posed by PFAS in the community’s drinking water.

Military Bases: A Major Risk for Public Water Systems

Military bases have been major sources of PFAS contamination in water supplies due to the extensive use of firefighting foam, specifically Aqueous Film Forming Foam (AFFF).

In the 1960s, the US Navy collaborated with 3M to develop firefighting foam containing PFOA and PFOS.

These foams, used extensively for training and emergency response, contain high levels of PFAS, which can seep into groundwater and nearby water sources, leading to widespread contamination.

The persistent nature of PFAS means that even decades after their use, these chemicals continue to pollute water supplies, posing significant health risks to military personnel, their families, and surrounding communities​.

Over 700 military sites across the United States have been identified as having documented or suspected discharges of PFAS chemicals.

These sites have used aqueous film-forming foam (AFFF), which contains PFAS, extensively for firefighting training and emergency response since the 1960s.

The Department of Defense (DoD) has confirmed that at least 455 of these sites have contaminated drinking water or groundwater with PFAS, affecting the health of service members, their families, and nearby communities.

Previous research has linked PFAS exposure at these sites to various health issues, including cancer, thyroid disease, and immune system problems.

Despite ongoing cleanup efforts, the extensive contamination poses a significant challenge, with the DoD estimating that it could take decades and billions of dollars to remediate the affected areas.

Exposure to PFAS Containing Firefighting Products

Direct exposure to PFAS containing products is a significant risk.

As mentioned, AFFF is a type of firefighting foam that contains PFAS chemicals, and is currently at the center of a major personal injury litigation targeting manufacturers of these hazardous substances.

The AFFF Lawsuit is consolidated in South Carolina federal court, and plaintiffs include both individuals who suffered from direct exposure to toxic fire fighting foams, as well as communities dealing with tap water contamination resulting from the use of firefighting foam on military bases.

Firefighting products that are known to contain PFAS include both firefighting foams and firefighting gear.

Firefighting gear, including protective clothing and equipment, often contains PFAS chemicals to provide resistance to heat, water, and oil.

Research studies have also shown that firefighting gear may even release more PFAS when subjected to wear and tear.

Exposure to both PFAS containing firefighting foam and gear poses significant risks for firefighters, who are among the most heavily exposed populations to these hazardous substances.

Other Potential Routes of Exposure to PFAS

PFAS chemicals are ubiquitous and can be found in a wide variety of consumer and industrial products, leading to widespread exposure through everyday activities.

Products that may contain PFAS include:

• Non-stick cookware: Items such as Teflon-coated pots and pans.
• Water-repellent clothing: Outdoor gear, jackets, and umbrellas treated to repel water.
• Stain-resistant fabrics: Carpets, upholstery, and clothing treated to resist stains.
• Cleaning products: Some household cleaners and sprays that use PFAS for their grease-cutting properties.
• Industrial products: Various chemicals and coatings used in manufacturing processes.
• Certain food packaging: Fast food wrappers, microwave popcorn bags, and other grease-resistant packaging.
• Cosmetics: Certain makeup, moisturizers, and personal care products containing PFAS for smooth application.
• Other: Ski waxes, dental floss, certain paints and varnishes, and textiles like carpets and furniture upholstery treated for stain resistance.

Exposure to PFAS in the general food supply is also a major concern for many Americans.

The FDA works to identify routes of exposure through food packaging and other food stuffs.

PFAS can migrate into food from packaging, especially when the packaging is exposed to fatty, salty, or acidic foods.

Testing by the FDA has shown detectable levels of PFAS in some seafood and produce, with certain types of seafood like clams and other bivalve mollusks being particularly susceptible to contamination.

The ongoing efforts to monitor and regulate PFAS in food aim to reduce dietary exposure and associated health risks.

PFAS Exposure: Associated Health Risks

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recognizes several serious health risks associated with exposure to PFAS chemicals.

Other federal agencies, including the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR), have also emphasized the potential for PFAS to cause significant health problems.

As established, PFAS enter the human body primarily through ingestion of contaminated water and food, inhalation of contaminated air, and contact with products containing these chemicals.

Once inside the body, PFAS concentrations are absorbed into the bloodstream and accumulate in various organs and tissues, particularly the liver, kidneys, and blood.

These chemicals are resistant to metabolic breakdown, allowing them to persist in the body for extended periods and bioaccumulate over time.

The persistence of PFAS in the body can disrupt normal biological processes by binding to proteins and interfering with cellular communication and function, which can lead to a range of health issues over prolonged exposure​.

Health problems and conditions linked to PFAS chemical exposure include:

• Kidney cancer
• Testicular cancer
• Liver cancer
• Thyroid cancer
• Thyroid disease
• Ulcerative colitis
• Other cancers and health conditions

Kidney Cancer

Scientific data has shown a significant association between PFAS exposure, particularly perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA), and kidney cancer.

Studies, including a large nested case-control study within the Prostate, Lung, Colorectal, and Ovarian (PLCO) Cancer Screening Trial, found that individuals with the highest concentrations of PFOA in their blood serum were more than twice as likely to develop kidney cancer compared to those with the lowest concentrations.

This association remained significant even among those diagnosed eight or more years after initial blood collection.

Testicular Cancer

Elevated levels of PFAS, particularly perfluorooctanesulfonic acid (PFOS), have been linked to an increased risk of testicular cancer.

A nested case-control study among U.S. Air Force servicemen showed that those with higher serum levels of PFOS had a higher risk of developing testicular cancer.

This risk is especially pronounced among firefighters and individuals stationed at bases with high PFAS contamination in the water supply.

Liver Cancer

While the evidence linking PFAS to liver cancer is still developing, there are concerns based on animal studies and limited human data.

PFAS can cause liver toxicity and alter liver function, which could potentially lead to cancer over long-term exposure.

More research is needed to establish a definitive connection between PFAS exposure and liver cancer in humans.

Thyroid Cancer

PFAS exposure has been associated with disruptions in thyroid hormone levels, which can lead to thyroid diseases and potentially thyroid cancer.

In October 2023, Mount Sinai researchers published research with results showing that “…exposure to perfluorooctanesulfonic acid (n-PFOS, a group of chemicals under the PFAS umbrella) led to a 56 percent increased risk of thyroid cancer diagnosis,”.

Thyroid Disease

PFAS are known endocrine disruptors and can interfere with the normal functioning of thyroid hormones.

This interference can lead to thyroid diseases such as hypothyroidism, hyperthyroidism, and Hashimoto’s disease.

The effects on thyroid hormones have been consistently observed in both human and animal studies, underscoring the endocrine-disrupting potential of PFAS.

Ulcerative Colitis

Studies have suggested a possible link between PFAS exposure and ulcerative colitis, an inflammatory bowel disease.

The exact mechanism is not fully understood, but PFAS-induced immune system dysfunction is believed to play a role in the development and exacerbation of this condition.

Evidence from highly exposed populations, such as those near contaminated sites, supports this association.

In a 2018 study with over 30,000 individuals, researchers from Emory University associated PFOA with an increased risk for ulcerative colitis.

Other Cancers Potentially Linked to PFAS Exposure

Scientific studies and medical monitoring programs are being conducted to understand the full scope of potential health effects related to PFAS exposure.

As mentioned previously, researchers have associated several types of cancer to PFAS exposure.

Below is a list of other types of cancer which have emerging evidence linking diagnosis to PFAS exposure.

Other cancers potentially linked to PFAS exposure include:

• Prostate Cancer: Some studies have linked PFAS exposure to an increased risk of prostate cancer.
  • Research has shown that PFAS can reprogram prostate cells’ metabolism, leading to enhanced tumor growth, particularly when combined with a high-fat diet.
• Breast Cancer: PFAS, especially PFOS and PFOA, have been studied for their potential role in breast cancer due to their endocrine-disrupting properties.
  • Epidemiological studies have found a positive association between higher serum levels of PFOS and the risk of hormone receptor-positive breast cancer subtypes​.
• Pancreatic Cancer: Although direct human evidence is limited, animal studies have shown that PFAS can cause pancreatic cancer.
  • Human epidemiological studies are ongoing to investigate this potential link further.
• Bladder Cancer: There is limited but emerging evidence that PFAS exposure may be linked to bladder cancer.
  • Some studies suggest that PFAS can accumulate in the bladder, potentially leading to cancerous changes.
• Blood Cancers (Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma, Multiple Myeloma, and Leukemia): Studies have indicated that PFAS exposure could be associated with various blood cancers.
  • PFAS exposure has been linked to an increased risk of non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma and multiple myeloma due to their immunotoxic effects, which can lead to abnormal cell growth in the blood and lymphatic systems.
  • Additionally, there is some evidence suggesting a possible association with leukemia.

PFAS Litigation: An Overview

PFAS litigation encompasses a variety of legal actions taken against manufacturers of these harmful chemicals.

Lawsuits have been filed on behalf of communities and individuals affected by PFAS contamination, seeking compensation for health impacts and environmental damage.

State governments have pursued lawsuits to recover the costs associated with testing, monitoring, and remediating contaminated water supplies.

High-profile cases, such as those against 3M and DuPont, have resulted in significant settlements and highlighted the widespread nature of PFAS contamination.

Legal actions have driven stricter PFAS regulations and increased scrutiny on industrial practices, pushing for greater accountability and remediation efforts

Personal Injury Lawsuits for Drinking Water Contamination

Individuals who develop health problems from contaminated drinking water sources may have the right to file personal injury lawsuits against PFAS manufacturers.

Local water sources are often contaminated by military bases, industrial processes, manufacturing plants, and areas where PFAS are used or disposed of.

These lawsuits seek compensation for medical expenses, pain and suffering, and other damages related to PFAS exposure.

Unlike government lawsuits aimed at covering the costs of environmental testing and remediation, personal injury claims focus on the specific harms suffered by individuals.

Plaintiffs in these cases often need to demonstrate a direct link between their health issues and PFAS exposure from the contaminated water.

Lawyers focus on gathering medical evidence, expert testimony, and detailed documentation of the contamination and its impacts on the individual’s health.

If you or a loved one lived in an area whose drinking water source was impacted by PFAS contamination and developed health problems, you may be eligible to file a lawsuit.

Contact us today, or use the chatbot on this page for an instant case evaluation.

Public Drinking Water Systems, Municipalities, and State Governments

Public drinking water systems, municipalities, and state governments have filed numerous lawsuits against PFAS manufacturers to cover the costs of remediation and ensure safe drinking water for their communities.

These cases focus on holding manufacturers accountable for the widespread contamination and the significant expenses associated with testing, monitoring, and cleaning up affected water supplies.

The settlements from these lawsuits often compensate for past and future costs of remediation, including the installation of advanced filtration systems and ongoing maintenance to meet safety standards.

High-profile cases, such as those filed by the states of Minnesota and Michigan, have set important precedents.

Many municipalities are filed in the ongoing AFFF Firefighting Foam MDL, centering on communities experiencing water contamination from military bases and airports.

AFFF Lawsuits

As mentioned previously, the AFFF Firefighting Foam MDL is a consolidated lawsuit filed on behalf of individuals who were exposed to PFAS containing firefighting foam and developed health problems.

Plaintiffs in these PFAS cases are often military service members, military firefighters, firefighters at local fire departments, and others involved in the manufacturing or disposal of AFFF.

Our law firm is accepting new clients for the AFFF Lawsuit.

Reach out to us for more information.

Do You Qualify to File a PFAS Lawsuit?

Individuals who consumed PFAS contaminated drinking water or suffered direct exposure to PFAS-containing firefighting foam and subsequently suffered related health problems may be eligible to take legal action.

Contact our law firm for a free consultation, or use the chatbot on this page for an instant case evaluation.

Lawyers with experience in environmental and personal injury litigation understand the complexity of cases involving PFAS chemicals.

Our law firm has decades of experience helping individuals exposed to toxic chemicals seek justice and compensation for their health problems and other damages.

Reach out to TorHoerman Law for more information.

Gathering Evidence for PFAS Lawsuits

Evidence is extremely important in personal injury PFAS claims.

Your lawyer can help you to gather evidence, but this is a part of the process you can begin on your own.

Potential evidence in a PFAS claim may include:

• Medical records
• Environmental test results
• Water quality reports
• Expert witness testimony
• Documentation of PFAS sources (e.g., industrial discharge records)
• Personal exposure history
• Scientific studies linking PFAS to specific health conditions
• Correspondence with local or state health departments
• Historical data on industrial activities in the area

Strong evidence can help establish the link between PFAS exposure and related health issues, support claims for compensation, and demonstrate the extent of contamination and its sources.

Assessing Damages in PFAS Exposure Claims

Damages refer to the total losses, economic and non-economic, incurred as a result of exposure to PFAS.

Your lawyers will help assess and calculate damages in your case.

Possible damages in PFAS cases include:

• Medical bills
• Future medical expenses
• Future medical monitoring
• Pain and suffering
• Lost wages or earning capacity
• Loss of quality of life
• Property damage (e.g., decreased property values)
• Costs of alternative water supplies
• Emotional distress
• Legal fees and costs

These damages aim to compensate individuals and communities for the various economic, physical, and emotional impacts caused by PFAS contamination.

What Companies are PFAS Lawsuits Filed Against?

Determining liability is a major part of PFAS litigation, as it involves identifying the manufacturers and users of PFAS chemicals responsible for environmental contamination.

Companies involved in producing, using, or improperly disposing of PFAS have faced numerous lawsuits from individuals, communities, and government entities seeking compensation for health impacts and environmental damage.

Industries and sites known to contaminate water with PFAS include:

• Military bases
• Airports
• Manufacturing facilities
  • Textile production
  • Paper and packaging
  • Electronics
• Metal plating and finishing facilities
• Waste treatment facilities

As mentioned, past lawsuits for PFAS water contamination have resulted in significant settlements and have set precedents for future cases.

High-profile cases have involved states, municipalities, and individuals suing major corporations for their role in PFAS pollution, leading to financial compensation and stricter regulations.

Companies that have faced PFAS litigation include:

• 3M
• DuPont
• Chemours
• Tyco Fire Products
• BASF
• Daikin Industries
• AGC Chemicals
• Solvay
• Honeywell International
• Wolverine World Wide

These companies have been targeted in lawsuits due to their involvement in the manufacture and use of PFAS chemicals.

TorHoerman Law: Investigating PFAS Claims

PFAS manufacturers knew for decades that these chemicals were harmful to human health and the environment, but continued to produce and distribute these chemicals across the world.

This has resulted in water contamination and exposure to humans that has caused severe health problems.

Our law firm is investigating cases of water contamination specifically near US military bases.

If you or a loved one have been exposed to PFAS contaminated drinking water and developed health problems, you may be eligible to file a claim.

Contact TorHoerman Law for a free consultation.

Use the chatbot on this page for an instant case evaluation.