Studies have shown connections between humans exposed to high levels of PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances) and the increased risk of certain cancers, including liver cancer, according to the American Cancer Society. Thus, there is the potential that PFAS can cause liver cancer for some people exposed to the chemical regularly.
PFAS chemicals are known as toxic “forever” chemicals because they do not break down. These chemicals also have extremely long half-lives, which makes them very dangerous to humans that are exposed to them, as they can accumulate inside your body at slow rates.
PFAS are man-made chemicals that have been used by manufacturers to create various commercial products, such as non-stick cookware and Teflon. The facilities and manufacturers that use PFAS pose a risk to the environment and humans, as PFAS can contaminate drinking water or could be ingested by humans.
Other Health Effects Linked to PFAS
While there is the potential that PFAS causes liver cancer for some exposed individuals, there are also several other cancers in which the exposure of PFAS can increase risks. According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the compound of PFAS that induces the risk of certain cancers is known as perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA).
According to the American Cancer Society, PFOA has reportedly been tied to the increased risk of the following cancers in humans:
- Liver
- Breast
- Kidney
- Thyroid
- Bladder
- Ovarian
- Prostate
- Testicular
Beyond the increased risk of these cancers, high levels of PFAS exposure can also cause adverse health effects. According to the EPA, high-level PFAS exposure can also cause increased cholesterol.
Additionally, the EPA has found that both PFOA and PFOS (perfluorooctane sulfonate) have caused limited health effects on humans, such as immune system complications, low infant birth weights, cancers, and thyroid hormone disruption.
Both the EPA and the American Cancer Society have also noted lab testing on animals with exposure to high levels of these substances is a good indicator of what can happen when a human is exposed to PFAS.
Begin a PFAS Class Action Lawsuit
When major companies contaminate drinking water by manufacturing and using PFAS chemicals, and they cause adverse health effects to citizens, they deserve to be held accountable by law.
If you developed liver cancer, and you believe it could be due to PFAS exposure, speak with your doctor to see if they can confirm your suspicions. You could qualify to file a lawsuit against the company that exposed you or join an existing class action. In a class action, multiple people file a lawsuit against a defendant because they all have similar injuries or experiences. One person will represent the group, and typically, every plaintiff in the class will split the settlement.
If you or a loved one has suffered health effects from PFAS contamination, you can fight for justice with the class action lawsuit lawyers at Pintas & Mullins Law Firm. We work on a contingency basis, so you pay nothing up front. We take our cut when we earn you a settlement. To learn more about your legal recourse opportunities from PFAS exposure, call Pintas & Mullins Law Firm at (800) 794-0444.