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Per-and Polyfluorinated Substances (commonly referred to as PFAS) are synthetic chemicals used in various household items, such as textiles, food packaging, and non-stick cookware. PFAS chemicals are also heavily found in fire extinguishing compounds, such as firefighter foams. Recent reports have shown that PFAS exposure can negatively affect the liver, kidneys, immune system, and fertility. PFAS exposure has been linked to diseases such as kidney and testicular cancer, high cholesterol, and hypertension. Increasing evidence suggests that many victims are exposed to PFAS chemicals through water supply contamination. This contamination is widespread, and elevated PFAS levels have been tested in water supplies throughout the US—including many Florida cities. Major corporations like 3M have reached settlement agreements with victims and US public water suppliers to help support PFAS detection in drinking water. Learn more about the latest PFAS lawsuit updates below.
How Are Victims Exposed to PFAS?
PFAS exposure can occur through contaminated drinking water, food, product usage, and skin contact. Many people are exposed to elevated PFAS levels through local water supplies, especially near manufacturing facilities and military bases that use PFAS chemicals in product creation and fire suppression efforts. A June 2024 study published in Environment International concluded that PFAS chemicals can seep through the skin and enter the bloodstream. Previously, scientists believed PFAS exposure occurred through consumption by eating, drinking, or breathing in contamination. PFAS levels have been found in blood samples in humans and animals throughout the world. PFAS exposure has been linked to health problems and illnesses such as cancer, immune system suppression, developmental delays in children, and reproductive issues.
EPA Sets PFAS Water Standard Limits
On April 10th, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) enacted a final ruling that set PFAS chemical standards for drinking water. This legislation is the first-ever national, legally enforceable drinking water standard for PFAS. These limits were made to help mitigate exposure to PFAS. The EPA estimates that between 6% and 10% of the nation’s 66,000 public water systems have elevated PFAS levels. New Jersey, Massachusetts, California, New Hampshire, and Pennsylvania were shown to have the highest concentrations of PFAS chemicals. However, elevated levels have been detected in many Florida cities.
PFAS Lawsuit Updates
We have seen more victims step forward to file lawsuits against companies that used PFAS chemicals in their products, claiming the manufacturers knew the dangers of PFAS exposure but failed to warn consumers. In late July, a group of Connecticut firefighters filed a class action lawsuit against 3M and 16 other companies for harmful exposure to PFAS. Another notable lawsuit filed this month claimed that a woman was exposed to PFAS chemicals through Band-Aid products. Another woman filed a claim that PFAS exposure through water contamination caused her hypothyroidism. In Florida, our firm has seen reports of victims who have developed cancer who lived in areas identified as PFAS hotspots.
PFAS and Central Florida Water Contamination
The Patch reports that many Florida municipalities have elevated PFAS levels. Some cities that tested positive for PFAS contamination include the water departments of Tampa, Winter Haven, Dade City, Tarpon Springs, and Miami-Dade. If your town has notified you of elevated PFAS levels in your water and you’ve suffered serious illnesses like autoimmune diseases or cancer, contact an attorney like the Michael Brady Lynch Law Firm for a free consultation. Here are the areas that may have been affected by PFAS levels in Central Florida:
City Industries, Inc. EPA Superfund Site – Winter Park
This site is a one-acre area where the City Chemical Company operated a hazardous waste management facility from 1971-1983. After the facility was shut down in the early 80s, the company left holding tanks filled with tons of hazardous materials and sludge, contaminating the area’s groundwater and soil. The site became an EPA Superfund site in 1989. Since then, the EPA has conducted groundwater treatment programs and five-year reviews to decrease groundwater contamination. The EPA states that site contamination doesn’t impact local residents and commercial properties. However, this progress is developing. If you lived in the area and experienced any symptoms related to PFAS exposure, contact an attorney to discuss your options.
Winter Haven
During mandatory EPA water testing, the Winter Haven Water Department reported increased PFAS levels above the EPA’s newly enacted standards. If you live in the area and have been diagnosed with cancer or experienced decreased fertility or a compromised immune system, you may be eligible to file a claim.
PFAS Lawsuits with Michael Brady Lynch Law Firm
More and more victims have come forward with PFAS exposure lawsuits. If you or a loved one live or work in an area that experienced increased PFAS levels and suffered from illnesses such as cancer, kidney disease, or hypertension, contact the Michael Brady Lynch Law Firm at 888-585-5970 today. We can discuss whether you’re eligible for compensation for your injuries and medical expenses by filing a claim against manufacturers using PFAS.
