Diagnosed with cancer due to PFAS contamination? The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) plays a crucial role in regulating PFAS chemicals and protecting public health. You deserve compensation. Our experienced attorney is here to fight for you.
Imagine if the water you consume daily were a potential cancer-causing agent. This scenario is becoming more prevalent in various communities across the country in the United States, where water sources have been contaminated with what are referred to as “forever chemicals,” or PFAS. The substances known as PFAS are progressively infiltrating the natural surroundings, polluting groundwater and potable water sources. According to data from federal sources, as many as 110 million Americans are prone to PFAS exposure due to water contaminated with PFAS, yet the full scope of this issue remains largely unknown.
The pervasive issue of PFAS pollution, particularly near industrial sites and military bases, significantly impacts drinking water supplies.
It is clear that once PFAS chemicals make their way into the human body, they accumulate gradually and persist. Even minor exposures have been associated with adverse effects. PFAS in drinking water substantially heightens the chances of developing conditions like Testicular Cancer, Kidney Cancer, Ulcerative Colitis, Liver Cancer, Prostate Cancer, and Pancreatic Cancer. Additionally, PFAS in drinking water has been linked to reproductive issues, compromised childhood immunity, low birth weight, disruptions in the endocrine system, elevated cholesterol, and weight gain. A staggering 98% of American blood samples contain traces of detected PFAS compounds, and the vast majority of newborns today enter the world with these forever chemicals already in their bodies.
What are PFAS Chemicals?
PFAS (Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances) are a group of synthetic chemicals that have been widely used in various industrial and consumer products since the 1950s. Known for their water- and grease-resistant properties, PFAS chemicals are found in items such as non-stick cookware, food packaging, and firefighting foam. However, these “forever chemicals” are notorious for their persistence in the environment and the human body, leading to significant health risks. Exposure to PFAS chemicals has been linked to various health issues, including cancer, thyroid disease, and immune system problems. Their ability to resist degradation means they accumulate over time, posing long-term risks to human health and the environment.
PFAS Water Contamination
Across the United States, drinking water sources have been discovered to contain PFAS, which are toxic chemicals. These substances infiltrate the groundwater when released at airports, military bases, commercial areas, and industrial sites. Once introduced into the groundwater, PFAS chemicals permeate the surroundings, ultimately making their way into our drinking water, agricultural produce, wildlife, food chain, and bodies. These PFAS chemicals can accumulate within the body over time and resist degradation, leading to many health complications.
Routes of Exposure to PFAS
Exposure to PFAS chemicals can occur through various routes, making it crucial to understand how these toxic substances can enter our bodies. Common exposure pathways include:
- Ingestion of Contaminated Water or Food: Drinking water contaminated with PFAS is a primary route of exposure. Additionally, consuming food grown in contaminated soil or packaged in materials containing PFAS can also lead to ingestion.
- Inhalation of Contaminated Air: PFAS chemicals can become airborne, especially near industrial sites, leading to inhalation exposure.
- Contact with Products Containing PFAS: Everyday items like non-stick cookware, stain-resistant fabrics, and certain cosmetics can contain PFAS, leading to skin contact and potential absorption.
- Exposure to Firefighting Foam: Firefighters and military personnel are at risk due to the use of aqueous film-forming foam (AFFF) containing PFAS.
- Exposure to Contaminated Soil or Water Near Industrial Sites or Military Bases: Living or working near areas where PFAS chemicals have been used or disposed of can result in significant exposure.
Understanding these routes of exposure is essential for taking necessary precautions to minimize the risk of PFAS exposure.
PFAS Cancer
Even at low concentrations, PFAS persistent chemicals have demonstrated the capacity to induce negative effects. An illustration of the influence of enduring forever chemicals on human health is seen in PFAS-related cancers. PFAS-linked cancer stemming from polluted water encompasses Testicular, Kidney, Liver, Prostate, Pancreatic cancer, and Ulcerative Colitis. Individuals and their loved ones who have encountered PFAS-related cancer due to contaminated drinking water may qualify for compensation by submitting a claim. Obtain comprehensive insights regarding PFAS-related cancer from The Law Offices of Clinton O. Middleton, specializing in PFAS cancer claims.
PFAS Chemicals, Water Contamination, and Legal Accountability
PFAS chemicals are found in manufacturing fluoropolymer coatings and products designed to withstand high temperatures, repel oil, prevent staining, resist grease, and repel water. These chemicals are linked to various industrial and commercial environments. Notably, one substantial origin of water pollution is believed to be the utilization of firefighting foam at military bases and airports. Despite being labeled "persistent, bio-accumulative, and toxic" by the Department of Defense in 2010, fluorine-based firefighting foam remains employed for emergency response and training. The Pentagon has acknowledged a total of 401 locations where military activities have introduced PFAS chemicals into the environment and caused groundwater contamination. Researchers posit that there are likely numerous additional sites with similar issues.
Presently, the federal government is confronted with significant inquiries concerning the documented discharge of enduringly harmful chemicals into groundwater within communities nationwide. Individuals and their family members who have encountered the development of Testicular Cancer, Kidney Cancer, Ulcerative Colitis, Liver Cancer, Prostate Cancer, or Pancreatic Cancer due to tainted drinking water are initiating legal actions in the form of water PFAS contamination lawsuits. Instituting a legal suit about PFAS water contamination represents the sole avenue through which affected individuals and families can seek rightful compensation for the pain, suffering, inconvenience, medical costs, and lost wages associated with cancer caused by PFAS-contaminated drinking water. Furthermore, pursuing a PFAS lawsuit for water contamination-linked cancer provides the most effective mechanism for ordinary citizens to hold those responsible accountable for the pollution of drinking water.
PFAS Cancer Lawsuits
Individuals and their family members afflicted with Testicular Cancer, Kidney Cancer, Ulcerative Colitis, Liver Cancer, Prostate Cancer, or Pancreatic Cancer due to PFAS-contaminated drinking water might be eligible for financial compensation by pursuing water contamination lawsuits. Those fitting this profile are entitled to complimentary, no-obligation case evaluations conducted by attorneys focusing on nationwide drinking water cancer claims. Engaging in PFAS cancer lawsuits offers the most effective avenue for citizens who have suffered from tainted drinking water to secure reparation and hold the PFAS manufacturers and major chemical companies accountable for the negative impact of PFAS chemicals on water supplies. Lawyers handling cancer-related drinking water litigation operate on a contingency basis, ensuring that you won't incur legal fees unless a successful compensation outcome is achieved. You may access comprehensive information about PFAS cancer lawsuits from legal professionals managing claims for plaintiffs nationwide.
Do You Qualify to File a PFAS Lawsuit?
If you have been exposed to PFAS chemicals and developed health problems, you may be eligible to file a lawsuit. To qualify, you must meet specific criteria:
- Consumed PFAS-Contaminated Drinking Water or Been Exposed to PFAS-Containing Firefighting Foam: Direct exposure through drinking water or firefighting foam is a critical factor.
- Developed a Health Problem Linked to PFAS Exposure: Health issues such as cancer, thyroid disease, or immune system problems must be linked to PFAS exposure.
- Exposure to PFAS Chemicals Through a Product or Environmental Contamination: Exposure can occur through various products or environmental contamination near industrial sites or military bases.
Consulting with a PFAS water contamination lawyer is essential to determine if you qualify to file a lawsuit and to discuss your legal options. A knowledgeable attorney can guide you through the process and help you seek the compensation you deserve.
PFAS Class Action and MDL
In response to widespread PFAS contamination, class action lawsuits and multidistrict litigation (MDL) have been initiated. A class action lawsuit allows a group of people with similar claims to sue a defendant collectively. In the case of PFAS contamination, class action lawsuits have been filed against major manufacturers like 3M and DuPont, holding them accountable for the widespread environmental and health impacts of PFAS chemicals.
Multidistrict litigation (MDL) is another legal approach where multiple cases are consolidated into one court to streamline the litigation process. PFAS MDLs have been established to handle numerous cases related to PFAS contamination and exposure efficiently. This consolidation helps manage the complex litigation process and ensures that affected individuals can seek justice more effectively.
Lawsuits Allege Product Liability
Lawsuits filed against PFAS manufacturers often allege product liability, claiming that these companies:
- Designed Defective Products: The lawsuits argue that PFAS-containing products were inherently dangerous to human health and the environment.
- Failed to Warn Consumers and Regulators: Manufacturers are accused of not adequately informing consumers and regulatory bodies about the risks associated with PFAS chemicals.
- Negligence in Addressing Known Dangers: It is alleged that these companies knew or should have known about the dangers of PFAS chemicals but failed to take necessary actions to mitigate the risks.
These lawsuits aim to hold PFAS manufacturers accountable for the harm caused by their products and seek compensation for those affected by PFAS contamination. By pursuing legal action, individuals can demand justice and ensure that responsible parties are held liable for their actions.
By integrating these new sections, the article now provides a comprehensive overview of PFAS chemicals, exposure routes, legal qualifications, class actions, and product liability, offering readers valuable information and guidance on navigating the complexities of PFAS contamination and litigation.
PFAS Water Contamination Lawyer
When the safety and welfare of American citizens are jeopardized through no fault of their own, our dedicated PFAS drinking water attorney is committed to upholding justice, irrespective of the intricacies involved in the case. Guiding individuals through cancer-related scenarios stemming from PFAS-contaminated drinking water, our attorney facilitates the recovery of rightful compensation while holding accountable those responsible for the misconduct and injury. Obtain comprehensive insights about initiating a water contamination PFAS litigation or lawsuit from PFAS water attorney Clinton O. Middleton at (703) 777-9630.
