
According to the American Cancer Society, studies show links between increased PFOA (perfluorooctanoic acid) exposure and the risk of kidney cancer.
PFOA is a part of the per-and polyfluorinated substances (PFAS) chemical group, which is linked to adverse health effects in humans and animals since this man-made chemical came about in the 1940s.
If you are wondering if PFAS can cause kidney cancer, it is important to note that the exposure of PFAS-related chemicals also brings about the risk of additional cancers, per the American Cancer Society. These cancers include testicular, thyroid, bladder, prostate, and ovarian.
PFAS chemicals are notoriously known as “toxic forever chemicals” because they can burrow inside a human body for long periods of time. Humans can be exposed to PFAS chemicals in a variety of ways. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports that humans are mainly exposed to PFAS through contaminated drinking water, while the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) also reported that humans can be exposed to PFAS via:
- Food
- Consumer products
- Living organisms
- At a workplace
Specific locations are also attributed to PFAS contamination, such as military bases, PFAS production facilities, and some manufacturers. Organizations such as the Environmental Working Group (EWG) also helped people identify current PFAS contamination sites across the U.S.
The Health Effects of PFAS
Beyond the concern of cancers developing from PFOA, other effects linked to PFAS developed in addition to the cause of kidney cancer. Humans are at risk of developing health effects from PFAS because of the many uses the chemical has.
According to the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry, there are many common uses of PFAS that result in health risks. For instance, PFAS was found in many commercial products, such as:
- Non-stick cookware
- Water, oil, and grease resistance
- Firefighting foams
- Carpets
- Textiles
- Certain cosmetics
- Stain-resistant materials
When humans repeatedly use these materials that contain PFAS, the chemicals can accumulate in your body over time with their long half-lives. Widespread PFAS contamination can also happen when it reaches into an area’s water supply system, threatening a household’s drinking water safety.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, these chemicals are known as a “forever chemical” because they can slowly develop inside the human body, and may never fully break down once it has accumulated.
Here some of the common health effects associated with PFAS exposure for humans, according to the EPA:
- Cancer (bladder, blood, kidney, liver, pancreatic, prostate, testicular, thyroid)
- Low birth weights
- Preeclampsia
- Thyroid (hyperthyroidism, hypothyroidism, thyroiditis, Hashimoto’s, Grave’s, Goiter, thyroid nodules)
- Ulcerative colitis
Major Companies Producing PFAS
3M is one of the largest companies in the world to use PFAS for their manufacturing. According to Bloomberg, there are many companies in the U.S. that are still using PFAS to manufacture products, such as:
- National Fire Foam Inc.
- Buckeye Fire Equipment Co.
- Chemguard Inc.
- Kidde-Fenwal Inc.
- Tyco Fire Products LP
- DuPont
- Chemours Co.
The EPA has yet to fully regulate the creation of PFAS chemicals in the U.S., though it created new methods of testing for PFAS in drinking water.
Start a PFAS Class Action Lawsuit with Pintas & Mullins Law Firm
If you or a loved one is impacted by PFAS contamination, you may have a legal case on your hands. At Pintas & Mullins Law Firm, we can help pursue justice when faced with environmental toxic exposure, such as in your drinking water or from years of working at a contamination site.
To begin the process of pursuing a PFAS class-action lawsuit with Pintas & Mullins Law Firm, call for a free consultation today. Reach out today at (800) 788-4155 to further explain your PFAS contamination case.