According to the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR), PFAS have been shown to affect the cholesterol, hormones, and immune system of victims who have been exposed to them at high levels.
Not to be ignored, there have been studies that show a correlation between PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances) and certain types of cancers. While there is still a lot to be known, the side effects of PFAS are dangerous and should be taken seriously.
Unfortunately, the use of PFAS has been all too common over the last half-century, so these victims will only continue coming forward as time goes on. While PFAS affect cholesterol, hormones, and the immune system, impacts on the health of these vital human functions can lead to many other conditions, such as impacts on childbirth, susceptibility to disease, and the function of important organs. While more of these PFAS are being phased out every year, their impact will continue to be felt for many years to come.
Types of Products that Contain PFAS
PFAS are found in household cleaning products, containers, plastic bags, cooking products, items used to fight fires, and more, according to the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
As their use is very versatile and the substances are generally regarded as being resistant to substances like water and fire, PFAS are found in countless products all over the country. For these very same resistance abilities, PFAS do not degrade for very long periods of time, making them dangerous to victims for years, whereas other chemicals might gradually disappear.
As the FDA identified, there are around 5,000 variants of PFAS, some more dangerous than others. While some have been gradually phased out in recent decades due to their toxic nature, there are many more still in use today. Unfortunately, once these chemicals infect an environment, they contaminate the drinking water, foods we eat, and more, which can give victims multiple ways of exposure to dangerous PFAS.
Ultimately, PFAS have many other ways of exposing victims to harm, as the workers who make the products are often the most at risk of adverse effects. Another population that is at risk of high-level PFAS exposure are the people on and around military bases. Many bases use PFAS, which have contaminated surrounding the water in surrounding areas.
If you believe your illness resulted from PFAS exposure, speak with your doctor about getting tested for PFAS in your blood. If you discover there is a link between your exposure and your illness, you might have a case for compensation.
Legal Options After PFAS Exposure
Some victims choose to turn to PFAS lawyers for help seeking compensation for their pain and suffering from the companies that exposed them. They might get a settlement not only reflecting their pain, but also medical bills and other costs due to the PFAS exposure-related illness. These lawyers will fight to prove their clients’ ailments were caused by the company’s negligence, to prove to the court that some form of wrongdoing occurred.
In recent years, there have been class action lawsuits addressing these dangerous chemicals where multiple victims can receive compensation for their suffering. The more people who learn about what the side effects of PFAS are, the more people realize they have been exposed.
Studies have shown that most people have come into contact with potentially dangerous amounts of PFAS since their introduction to the market in the 1940s. These cases have been on the rise since studies have shown just how many health effects PFAS can actually cause. While no case is certain to pay out an award, consulting a PFAS attorney about your case can give you peace of mind, knowing that there is a legal team fighting for your case.
PFAS Attorneys Fighting to Get Victims Compensated
Pintas & Mullins Law Firm has represented countless PFAS exposure clients over the years. There are many people to be held responsible for this complex issue, from large companies all the way to the individuals who sold these products and beyond.
We understand that the legal system can be confusing, and our attorneys are happy to learn more about our potential clients’ cases so we can fight for their right to compensation moving forward. At the end of the day, if you have suffered any sort of health effects from exposure to PFAS, you might be entitled to compensation.
To learn more about our services, contact a Pintas & Mullins Law Firm representative today at (800) 788-4155 for your free consultation.