Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, commonly known as PFAS, are a group of man-made chemicals that have been used in various industrial and consumer products since the 1940s. While valued for their non-stick and water-resistant properties, PFAS are often called "forever chemicals" because they break down very slowly over time and can accumulate in the environment and human body. This persistence has led to widespread water contamination across the nation, posing significant health risks to affected communities.

What are PFAS and How Do They Contaminate Water?
PFAS are found in thousands of products, including non-stick cookware, stain-resistant fabrics, waterproofing, food packaging, and certain firefighting foams (AFFF). The primary ways PFAS enter water supplies include:

• Industrial Discharge: Manufacturing facilities that produce or use PFAS can release them into nearby waterways and soil.
• Firefighting Foam (AFFF): Historical use of AFFF at military bases, airports, and industrial sites has severely contaminated groundwater.
• Landfills: Products containing PFAS break down in landfills, leaching the chemicals into soil and groundwater.
• Wastewater Treatment Plants: These plants are generally not designed to remove PFAS, allowing them to pass through and enter water bodies.

Serious Health Risks Associated with PFAS Exposure:
Growing scientific evidence links PFAS exposure to a range of adverse health effects, even at very low levels. These include:

• Increased risk of certain cancers (kidney, testicular, ovarian, prostate, non-Hodgkin lymphoma).
• Thyroid disease and dysfunction.
• High cholesterol.
• Ulcerative colitis.
• Immune system effects.
• Developmental effects in children, including decreased birth weight.
• Reproductive issues.

Legal Action Against PFAS Manufacturers:
Individuals and communities affected by PFAS contamination are filing lawsuits against the manufacturers of these chemicals (such as DuPont and 3M) and the companies that used them. These lawsuits typically allege:

• Failure to Warn: Companies knew or should have known about the dangers of PFAS but failed to warn the public.
• Defective Products: Products containing PFAS were unreasonably dangerous.
• Environmental Contamination: Companies allowed PFAS to contaminate water supplies, creating a public nuisance and health hazard.

Who Can File a PFAS Lawsuit?
You may be eligible to file a PFAS lawsuit if:

• Your private well water or public water supply has been confirmed to contain PFAS chemicals.
• You or a loved one has been diagnosed with a health condition linked to PFAS exposure (e.g., specific cancers, thyroid disease).
• Your property value has been negatively impacted by PFAS contamination.

What Compensation Can Be Recovered?
Successful PFAS lawsuits can help victims recover damages for:

• Medical expenses for diagnosis, treatment, and ongoing care for PFAS-related illnesses.
• Lost wages and diminished earning capacity.
• Pain and suffering.
• Costs for water filtration systems or alternative water sources.
• Diminution in property value.
• Medical monitoring costs for those at high risk of developing future illnesses.
• Wrongful death damages in fatal cases.

Taking the Next Step:
If you suspect your water supply is contaminated with PFAS or you've developed a related health condition, it is vital to speak with an attorney specializing in environmental toxic torts. Our legal team is actively investigating PFAS contamination cases and can help you understand your rights, assess your eligibility, and pursue the compensation you deserve. Contact us today for a free, confidential consultation.