According to the American Cancer Society, the PFAS chemical compound PFOA (perfluorooctanoic acid) increases the risk of cancers that are linked to PFAS. These cancers include:
- Bladder
- Blood
- Kidney
- Liver
- Pancreatic
- Prostate
- Testicular
- Thyroid
These chemicals are notoriously known as the “toxic forever chemicals” due to their long half-lives and their ability to persist inside a human body for long periods of time. PFAS chemicals are also a major threat to our drinking water, which is a major source of humans being exposed.
Because of the massive effect of PFAS in drinking water, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has created a drinking water treatability database, in which homeowners can reference data and information concerning the removal of PFAS from their drinking water.
Other Health Ailments From PFAS
The above cancers that are linked to PFAS are not the only health effects related to PFAS exposure for humans. In fact, the EPA has reported several health effects that are triggered by PFAS compounds known as PFOA and PFOS.
Additional health ailments from PFAS include:
- Low birth weights
- Preeclampsia
- Thyroid (hyperthyroidism, hypothyroidism, thyroiditis, Hashimoto’s, Grave’s, Goiter, thyroid nodules)
- Ulcerative colitis
How You Can Be Exposed to PFAS
According to the EPA, there are four main ways in which humans can be exposed to PFAS-related chemicals: through drinking water, at a workplace, from food, and from consumer products.
When PFAS chemicals infiltrate a community’s water supply, it puts the entire area in danger of PFAS exposure. The EPA has advised that water supply contamination typically occurs due to facilities where PFAS is used to manufacture products. It can also infiltrate water supplies from oil refineries or airfields where PFAS is used as a fire repellent.
At facilities creating products that use PFAS, the plant workers are exposed to the fumes in the air they breathe while at work. Humans are also exposed to PFAS through consumer products such as nonstick and stain- and water-repellent products, carpet material, leather, paper and packaging materials, and textiles.
Our food can also be threatened by PFAS when the chemical sets into the soil used to grow certain foods. Additionally, food packaging and processing materials can also taint products.
Conducting PFAS Drinking Water Tests
If you are concerned about PFAS in your household’s drinking water, you have options to test the water. For instance, the EPA has listed approved test laboratories in which you can submit a sample of your water to test for PFAS levels. Another consideration to consider is if there are confirmed PFAS contamination sites near where you live.
The Environmental Working Group (EWG) has created an interactive map of the United States that pinpoints locations that have confirmed cases of PFAS exposure. As of May 2020, the EWP has reported 1,582 locations in 49 states that have reported PFAS contamination.
Pintas & Mullins Law Firm Can Help You Face PFAS Challenges
According to the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, 97% of Americans have PFAS in their blood.
If you have been exposed to PFAS while at work, you may be able to file a PFAS contamination lawsuit with Pintas & Mullins Law Firm. Our team of class action lawsuit lawyers may be able to help you pursue financial compensation for your damages while you recover from your PFOS exposure. You may be faced with expensive medical bills from cancers that are linked to PFAS, and you should not be left alone to bear these costs when your job causes your illnesses.
Call Pintas & Mullins Law Firm today at (800) 788-4155> to get started with a PFAS contamination lawyer, or complete a free case evaluation form online to further explain your case.