Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) can be hazardous to your health, and you could be exposed to them by the things you come in contact with every day, according to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). There are a few ways to protect yourself from PFAS, such as:
- Buying a water filter for any water that you drink out of your tap
- Identifying and avoiding foods that may be wrapped in materials containing PFAS
- Identifying and avoiding cleaning products that contain PFAS
- Doing research to find out whether the factory or business you work at uses or produces PFAS
PFAS could pose a significant health threat to you and your loved ones, and you could have the basis for a lawsuit if you or your loved one have already been harmed by PFAS contamination.
PFAS Contamination Can Occur in Various Ways
PFAS, also known as forever chemicals, are man-made chemicals that serve specific purposes, including:
- Providing resistance to water.
- Providing resistance to grease.
- Providing resistance to other substances, such as oils and liquids that could cause a stain.
According to the EPA, these chemical substances, which include Teflon, were first developed in the 1940s and are still present in many everyday products today. Their chemical makeup makes PFAS extremely stable, which also makes them extremely difficult to break down. As a result, they accumulate in environments and in humans’ bodies.
A person may be exposed to PFAS in a number of ways, possibly including:
- Ingestion of drinking water that has been polluted with PFAS.
- Consumption of vegetables or other crops grown in soil that has been polluted with PFAS.
- Breathing air that is polluted with PFAS.
- Interacting with high levels of consumer products that contain PFAS.
Some of the consumer products which may contain PFAS, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), include:
- Grease resistant food wrappers and containers such as burger wrappers, pizza boxes, and microwavable popcorn packages.
- Cleaning products.
- Stain and water-resistant clothing or carpeting.
- Kitchenware that is resistant to grease (non-stick).
- Certain home care and repair products, such as sealants and paints.
One of the ways to protect yourself from PFAS is to do your research into which products contain forever chemicals and avoid those products. With this in mind, such information may not be readily available, and avoiding PFAS-containing products may be more difficult than you imagine.
PFAS Exposure Causes Illness
The problem with the presence of PFAS in natural environments and certain consumer products is the health hazards associated with these chemicals. According to the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, the currently-recognized health risks associated with PFAS could be underestimated.
Some of the possible outcomes from PFAS exposure include:
- Certain types of cancer.
- Liver damage.
- A heightened risk of developing conditions such as asthma.
- Diminished fertility, which could impact your ability to conceive children.
According to the EPA, additional health problems resulting from PFAS exposure may include:
- High cholesterol levels.
- A generally weakened immune system.
- Interruption of the body’s natural thyroid hormone production.
These possible health risks underscore the importance of embracing the ways to protect yourself from PFAS, to whatever extent you can. If you or your loved one has already been exposed to dangerous levels of PFAS and have become ill as a result, then you may be able to bring legal action.
Legal Options for Those Exposed to PFAS
You may have grounds for a lawsuit if:
- You have developed an illness associated with PFAS.
- You have used one or more products with significant levels of PFAS.
- You live or work in a region known to have PFAS contamination.
Other factors may make you a candidate for a PFAS-related lawsuit, and a lawyer may assist you in identifying such factors. In addition, a lawyer may:
- Collect evidence related to PFAS contamination and your specific circumstances.
- Commission testing that could prove you are the victim of PFAS contamination.
- Direct you to existing PFAS-related lawsuits for which you may be eligible.
- Bring an individual lawsuit on your behalf.
- Handle all of the legal steps necessary to complete your lawsuit.
- Defend your rights.
If your lawyer is successful in obtaining a settlement or winning a judgment on your behalf, then you could be entitled to compensation covering:
- Medical costs stemming from PFAS exposure.
- Income you have lost due to your condition.
- Pain and suffering from your illness.
- Any other losses resulting from your exposure to PFAS.
You may also be able to bring a personal injury or wrongful death lawsuit on behalf of your loved one.
Pintas & Mullins Law Firm May Lead Your PFAS-Related Lawsuit
We want to ensure that you or your loved one do not suffer any further harm from PFAS exposure, and we will also help you pursue any compensation that you are entitled to for your losses to date. Call our team at Pintas & Mullins Law Firm today at (800) 788-4155 for a free consultation.
We work on a contingency-fee basis, which means you pay nothing upfront, and we only collect a fee if we secure a settlement or judgment for you.