Due to growing concerns about the potential toxic nature of PFAS, perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) and perfluorooctanesulfonic acid (PFOS) are no longer manufactured in the U.S. However, the toxic chemicals are still imported into the U.S. and used in a number of consumer products, despite evidence that they can lead to adverse health outcomes in humans. Recently, there have been reports of widespread contamination of drinking water sources near military bases, oil refineries, airports, wastewater treatment plants, firefighter training facilities, PFAS manufacturing and processing facilities, and other sites nationwide where PFAS were used or manufactured. Residents of communities where PFAS have been released into the air, soil and water and found their way into the drinking water supply now face a possible risk of cancer due to localized contamination.

According to the latest report of PFAS contamination in the U.S. from the Environmental Working Group, “test of tap water, military bases and industrial sites have found PFAS contamination in more than 712 locations in 49 states.” The environmental group warns that “Drinking water for up to 110 million Americans may be contaminated with PFAS.” Unfortunately, because PFAS are water soluble, the EPA cautions that traditional treatment methods cannot effectively remove the chemicals from drinking water.

Potential Side Effects of PFAS Exposure

It is the very qualities that make PFAS useful that allow the chemicals to persist in the environment and build up in the bodies of humans and animals. The most extensively studied PFAS chemicals are PFOA and PFOS, both of which are used in AFFF and have also been discovered in drinking water supplies in nearly every state across the country. The EPA warns on its website that exposure to PFOA and PFOS over certain levels may lead to serious adverse outcomes, including the following:

• Cancer, including testicular cancer and kidney cancer;
• Developmental effects to unborn babies during pregnancy, including low birth weight, skeletal malformations, and accelerated puberty;
• Liver effects, including tissue damage;
• Immune effects, including antibody production and immunity;
• Thyroid effects; and
• Other effects, including cholesterol changes.

Pursuing a Legal Claim for Alleged Side Effects of PFAS Exposure

The companies that make PFAS and those that use PFAS to manufacture other products have been thrust into spotlight over the past several years, as product liability claims alleging side effects from PFAS exposure have continued to pour in. The majority of these lawsuits have been filed by military and civilian firefighters who were regularly exposed to PFAS in firefighter foam products and were subsequently diagnosed with cancer. However, a growing number of claims are expected to be brought by residents of communities that have been adversely affected by PFAS-contaminated drinking water. The plaintiffs in upcoming PFAS exposure claims will seek to hold the companies that manufacture and use PFAS legally liable for the harm they and their loved ones have suffered. For more information about pursuing a legal claim for alleged side effects of PFAS exposure via AFFF or contaminated drinking water, consult a reputable PFAS injury lawyer today.