Per-and Polyfluorinated Substances (commonly referred to as PFAS) are synthetic chemicals used in many consumer products since the 1940s. PFAS chemicals can be found in products such as food packaging, textiles, non-stick cookware, and firefighting foams. Small levels of PFAS have also been found in food supplies. Due to the widespread usage, PFAS levels have been found in blood samples in humans and animals in places around the world. However, PFAS exposure has been linked to health problems and illnesses such as cancer, immune system suppression, developmental delays in children, and reproductive issues. PFAS manufacturers may be liable for negligence in their production of PFAS by contaminating local environments and failing to warn consumers about the dangers of PFAS. Several lawsuits have been filed against major corporations such as Kimberly-Clark, DuPont, and 3M over PFAS usage. Learn more about the status of litigation and health concerns in this PFAS lawsuit update:
How Does PFAS Contamination Occur?
PFAS contamination in drinking water, soil, and air seriously threatens public health and the environment. Millions of families in the US may have consumed PFAS-contaminated drinking water due to nearby manufacturing facilities that use PFAS. PFAS don’t break down and can accumulate over time, which is why they’re referred to as “forever chemicals.”
What are the Side Effects of PFAS?
Research on the adverse health effects of PFAS is still ongoing. The Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry states that PFAS exposure has been linked to the following health concerns:
- Increased cholesterol levels
- Low antibody response
- Effects on the liver
- Hypertension and preeclampsia in pregnant women
- Slight drop in birth weights
- Decreased fertility
- Developmental delays in children
- Kidney and testicular cancer
PFAS Lawsuit Overview
Lawsuits have been filed against PFAS manufacturers for personal injury claims, property damage, and environmental contamination. Due to its widespread usage, proving PFAS negligence was the direct cause of an illness or disease by a single manufacturer is challenging. PFAS lawsuits have increased significantly in recent years because of widespread contamination and media coverage. The goal of PFAS lawsuits is to hold manufacturers accountable for environmental contamination in communities and illnesses in individuals exposed to PFAS.
PFAS Lawsuit Update: In the News
In the past year, three major corporations have agreed on settlements for a combined $11 million for PFAS victims who face serious health issues due to PFAS exposure. In this PFAS lawsuit update, we discuss the current status of PFAS litigation.
3M $10.3 Billion Settlement for Water Contamination
3M will compensate many US communities and individuals for PFAS drinking water contamination. The settlement will be paid out to water providers across the US for water pollution and associated health effects. The payment will be distributed over 13 years. If more water systems detect increased levels of PFAS during required testing in the next three years, the settlement may increase.
DuPont PFAS Water Contamination Settlement Approved
DuPont agreed to a settlement of over $1 billion in compensation for PFAS contamination in US public water systems. This settlement was approved on February 9, 2024, and is a huge step forward in PFAS contamination litigation and its effect on public health.
Kleenex Plant Contaminates Drinking Water in Connecticut
Residents of Connecticut have filed a class action lawsuit claiming that PFAS contamination led to a drop in property values and increased their risk of disease from drinking polluted water. They have accused Kimberly-Clark (Kleenex’s parent company) of being negligent, arguing that the company had a duty not to expose residents to toxic chemicals. The class action suit asserts that the company violated this duty by failing to warn residents about the use of PFAS and stop contamination.
Compensation for Damages for PFAS Contamination
If you believe you have been exposed to PFAS and have suffered health problems or property damages, contact our team at the Michael Brady Lynch Law Firm to see if you are eligible to make a claim. We can help evaluate your legal options and pursue the compensation and justice you are entitled to for your injuries due to PFAS exposure. Call us at 888-585-5970 to discuss your case.
