According to the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), uncoated Tyvek does not contain PFAS, while coated Tyvek does contain PFAS.
PFAS, or per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, are engineered chemicals found in a variety of household and industrial applications. Part of the danger of PFAS is that they do not break down in the environment or in the body. Instead, they accumulate and can cause a number of health issues for the unsuspecting public.
The Harmful Effects of PFAS
Because PFAS are found in a huge number of products ordinary consumers purchase and often use on a daily basis, their negative effects can be very far-reaching. PFAS are also used in paint and wax, which exposes people to them on a daily basis in residential, retail, and commercial applications.
Since they are also present in the environment, most people have already had long-term exposure to damaging PFAS. They become dangerous because many PFAS accrue in humans after exposure and remain in the body. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, this dangerous accumulation of PFAS can lead to adverse health issues including, but not limited to:
- Reproductive difficulties
- Damaged immune systems
- Low infant birth weights
In addition to these health challenges, certain types of PFAS might also cause cancer and impaired thyroid health. If you believe the exposure to PFAS in your body has contributed to poor health, speak to your health care professional right away. You can also contact a law firm near you to learn more about your legal and financial recovery options.
Consumer Products That Contain PFAS
In addition to Tyvek, which has a variety of industrial and consumer household uses, according to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, other products that contain PFAS include:
- Non-stick coatings
- Food packaging
- Stain-resistant fabric
- Water-repellent fabric
- Cleaning products
- Consumer electronics
- Fire-fighting foam
PFAS might also be present in the environment in groundwater, landfills, fish, and manufacturing plants. If you or a family member have been exposed to PFAS through Tyvek or any of the products listed above, a lawyer might be able to help you seek financial recovery for the damage to your health.
PFAS have been used in the United States for more than 80 years. Rather than a single man-made chemical, PFAS are part of a group of chemicals.
Once the damage PFAS can cause became widely known, their use in consumer cookware, specialty fabrics, and industrial applications began to cease. Though many industries have voluntarily phased out their use, PFAS are long-lasting and cumulative, which means they remain present in the environment and might continue to pose a health threat for many people.
The EPA Is Taking Steps To Limit Consumer Exposure To PFAS
Protecting Americans from environmental harm is the goal of the EPA’s action plan to limit exposure to PFAS in the environment. The EPA is regulating two types of PFAS – PFOA and PFOS – and is banning PFAS manufacturing and use in the U.S. and in products that are imported into the U.S. Additional regulatory and protective action steps include:
- Strategic testing of drinking water
- Funding PFAS-related agricultural research
- Potentially adding PFAS to its list of toxic chemicals
While the EPA’s actions to minimize future exposure to PFAS is a good step, people are still currently suffering adverse health reactions due to previous exposure. If you or a loved one are experiencing health concerns due to exposure to PFAS from Tyvek, you might be eligible to start or join a class-action lawsuit for financial compensation in your area.
Join A PFAS Class Action Lawsuit Near You
You are not alone. The negative impact of PFAS on consumer health is a cause for major concern. People are filing lawsuits against DuPont, the manufacturer of Tyvek for the harmful impact of PFAS on consumers just like you. If you have recently learned that Tyvek does contain PFAS and believe it has compromised your health, contact the Pintas & Mullins Law Firm.
Because we work on a contingency fee basis, you pay no money out of pocket. We take our fee from the financial settlement we successfully negotiate. Call (800) 788-4155 today to find out how you and others like you can pursue the financial compensation you deserve. A member of our team will discuss and review your compensation claim.