According to the American Cancer Society, there is a “possible” link between the exposure of high levels of PFAS chemicals in humans and the risk of ovarian cancer. In essence, this means there is the potential that PFAS can cause ovarian cancer.
The American Cancer Society also reported that tests on both animals and humans revealed the cancers associated with the exposure of PFAS (per-and polyfluoroalkyl substances).
A compound of PFAS that causes the development of cancerous tumors is known as perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA), according to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Through lab tests on animals with high levels of PFOA, the American Cancer Society mentions tumors being identified in the liver, testicles, mammary glands, and pancreas.
While these tumors have been found in only animals thus far via lab testing, the American Cancer Society states that if a chemical is a carcinogen in animals, there is a good chance it could affect humans as well.
What are PFAS Chemicals?
PFAS is known as a toxic “forever” chemical because it cannot break down in the environment and can accumulate slowly inside living organisms, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
Both PFOA and perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS) make up PFAS chemicals, which are used by manufacturers to create both fluoropolymer coatings and repellants for water, heat, stains, oil, and grease.
The CDC reports that PFAS are used in a variety of fluoropolymer coating products, such as:
- Clothing
- Furniture
- Adhesives
- Food packaging
- Heat-resistant non-stick cooking surfaces
- Insulation of electrical wire
According to the EPA, “certain PFAS chemicals are no longer manufactured in the United States” because eight PFAS manufacturers agreed to eliminate their use of PFOA and PFOS to create certain products. These eight companies include:
- Arkema
- Asahi
- BASF Corporation (successor to Ciba)
- Clariant
- Daikin
- 3M/Dyneon
- DuPont
- Solvay Solexis
How Humans are Exposed to PFAS
The EPA reports that PFAS chemicals are actively present in our environment. The exposure of PFAS can also lead to several health effects in humans. Some common ways in which humans can be exposed to PFAS include:
- Drinking water
- Food
- Commercial products (such as fluoropolymer coating products)
- At a workplace
- In living organisms
PFAS Health Effects
While organizations in the U.S. have reported that there is a potential that PFAS can cause ovarian cancer, there are additional health effects that the EPA has released. Between PFOA and PFOS, the toxic forever chemicals of PFAS may impose the following health effects when exposed to high levels of the chemical:
- 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
Getting Compensation for PFAS Exposure
If you or a loved one has suffered medical complications as a result of the toxic forever chemical known as PFAS, you may be entitled to file a PFAS lawsuit or join a class action.
Pintas & Mullins Law Firm lawyers can help you file a claim to seek justice for your damages and injuries. We believe in holding negligent companies accountable when they knowingly emit toxic chemicals into the environment or even in our drinking water. To begin a free consultation, contact Pintas & Mullins Law Firm today at (800) 788-4155.