PFASs are a group of diverse chemicals used in a variety of industrial and commercial applications. Recently, these chemicals have been linked to health problems, including cancer and thyroid problems. If you or someone you know has been harmed by these chemicals, you may be eligible to file PFAS water contamination lawsuits for compensation. In this article, we discuss the details of these lawsuits and what you need to know in order to file one if you are eligible.
What is PFAS?
Polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) are a group of highly-toxic, long-lived toxic chemicals that often contaminate water supplies. PFASs can be found in firefighting foams, military aircraft engine coatings, and other applications.
PFAS contamination has been linked to a wide range of health problems, including cancer, thyroid abnormalities, and reproductive issues. In 2017, the state of California announced that it would fund lawsuits against companies that created or released PFASs into the environment. As a result of this announcement, many companies have begun to clean up their PFAS contaminated properties.
Where have PFASs been found?
PFASs have been found in many places across the United States, but the majority of PFAS water contamination lawsuits are focused on areas near military bases and industrial sites. PFASs are chemicals used in a number of products, including firefighting foam and insulation.
PFASs can leach into water supplies from many different sources, including:
-military bases where they have been used as insulation and protective gear
-industrial sites where they are used in manufacturing processes
-agriculture sites where they have been applied to crops
Effects of PFASs on human health
PFASs are man-made chemicals found in many products and have been linked to cancer, developmental abnormalities, and other health problems. The presence of PFASs in drinking water has raised concern about potential health effects, including increases in cancer rates.
PFAS water contamination lawsuits are being filed by locals who live close to factories and other significant sources responsible for environmental damage. A growing concern for clean water has resulted from this. If you are concerned about the safety of PFAS exposure and believe that you may have been harmed, you may be eligible to file a lawsuit.
There is evidence that exposure to PFASs can increase the risk of certain types of cancer. In a study published in The Lancet Oncology, scientists found an association between elevated levels of PFOA and thyroid cancer in women. Another study published in Environmental Health Perspective found that individuals who drank more than two liters per day of water contaminated with PFOS were almost twice as likely to develop pancreatic cancer as those who drank less than one liter per month.
The US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has been working on a plan to reduce the levels of PFASs nationwide. The EPA announced a set of guidelines last year aimed at protecting human health from contact with PFASs through drinking water, food production, and secondary care exposures such as occupational exposures.
The EPA is still working on finalizing its revised guidance document, but it recommends that people avoid direct contact with multiple environmental sources (such as dust, soil, pavement) and consumer products that contain PFASs. It also suggests limiting children’s exposure to these chemicals by avoiding practices (such as dishwashing) that could release them into the environment.
How to Limit Your Exposure to PFASs
PFASs, or Perfluorinated compounds, are a family of chemicals that have been linked to various health problems, including cancer. In April 2018, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced it would begin regulating PFASs as hazardous substances.
It’s important to know how PFASs can impact your health if you’re exposed to them through water. The EPA has set a maximum contaminant level of 40 parts per trillion for several types of PFAS in drinking water. That means that for every billion parts of water you drink, there will be no more than 40 pieces of PFAS per trillion. However, the level of contamination is likely much higher in most cases because the compounds tend to linger in the environment and our bodies. According to the Cleveland Clinic, people may be exposed to PFASs through:
- Drinking water – Exposure can occur when chemicals from treated water migrate into groundwater and surface water sources.
- Food – PFASs can be found in many products we consume such as meat, seafood, dairy products and even produce. They have also been detected in packaged foods like popcorn and pre-packaged food items like deli meats and cheese.
- Dust – WhenPFASs are released from processing facilities or when they break down due to sunlight or heat exposure, they can form particles in the air that could subsequently contaminate soil and ground water sources.
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