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Time is Limited
Act Now
Individuals Exposed To Contaminated Water With Unsafe Levels Of PFAS May Be Eligible For Compensation & Justice
The implications of PFAS exposure are alarming as they do not naturally break down in the environment and can accumulate in human blood and organs. According to the updated assessment, PFAS may be:
- Contaminating the areas surrounding more than 700 military installations across the United States;
- Posing severe health and environmental concerns
- Affecting the general public, service members, and their families.
What Are PFAS and Why Are They Called 'Forever Chemicals'?
Understanding the Persistent Threat of PFAS to Public Health and the Environment
Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are a group of human-made chemicals used in various industries worldwide since the 1940s. Their resistance to heat, water, and oil made them valuable in manufacturing, but this same resilience has led to widespread environmental contamination and potential health risks.
What Are PFAS?
PFAS encompass thousands of synthetic chemicals, including well-known compounds like PFOA and PFOS. They have been utilized in non-stick cookware, water-repellent clothing, stain-resistant fabrics, and firefighting foams. Their chemical structure, characterized by strong carbon-fluorine bonds, makes them highly stable and resistant to degradation.
Why Are They Called 'Forever Chemicals'?
The nickname "forever chemicals" stems from PFAS's persistence in the environment and the human body. These substances do not break down easily, leading to accumulation over time. Studies have shown that certain PFAS can remain in the human body for years, and their presence has been detected in water, air, soil, and even wildlife.
Health Implications of PFAS Exposure
Exposure to PFAS has been linked to various health concerns:
- Cancer: Associations with kidney and testicular cancers.
- Liver Damage: Evidence of liver enzyme alterations.
- Immune System Effects: Reduced vaccine response and increased risk of infections.
- Developmental Issues: Low birth weights and developmental delays in infants.
- Thyroid Disease: Disruption of thyroid hormone levels.
According to the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR), "Some studies in humans have shown that certain PFAS may affect growth, learning, and behavior of infants and older children."
Timeline of PFAS Awareness and Regulation
- 1940s: PFAS chemicals are developed for industrial applications.
- 1950s-2000s: Widespread use in consumer products and firefighting foams.
- 2000: 3M announces the phase-out of PFOS production.
- 2006: EPA launches the PFOA Stewardship Program to reduce emissions.
- 2016: EPA sets a 70 parts per trillion health advisory level for PFOA and PFOS in drinking water.
- 2022: EPA issues updated health advisories, significantly lowering acceptable levels.
- 2023: 3M agrees to a $10.3 billion settlement over PFAS water contamination claims.
Recent Developments
In 2023, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) proposed new regulations to limit PFAS levels in drinking water, aiming to reduce exposure risks. These efforts reflect growing recognition of the need to address PFAS contamination comprehensively.
What This Means for You
You may have been exposed to these chemicals if you have lived near a military base or industrial site or used products containing PFAS. Understanding your exposure and potential health risks is crucial.
Take Action
Shield Legal Network is committed to helping individuals affected by PFAS exposure. Our legal experts can help you understand your rights and pursue potential compensation.
Contact us today to learn more about how we can assist you in addressing PFAS-related concerns.
Those who qualify may request a free, private case evaluation by a personal injury attorney!
Find Out if You Qualify
What Are PFAS and Why Are They Called 'Forever Chemicals'?
Understanding the Persistent Threat of PFAS to Public Health and the Environment
Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are a group of human-made chemicals used in various industries worldwide since the 1940s. Their resistance to heat, water, and oil made them valuable in manufacturing, but this same resilience has led to widespread environmental contamination and potential health risks.
What Are PFAS?
PFAS encompass thousands of synthetic chemicals, including well-known compounds like PFOA and PFOS. They have been utilized in non-stick cookware, water-repellent clothing, stain-resistant fabrics, and firefighting foams. Their chemical structure, characterized by strong carbon-fluorine bonds, makes them highly stable and resistant to degradation.
Why Are They Called 'Forever Chemicals'?
The nickname "forever chemicals" stems from PFAS's persistence in the environment and the human body. These substances do not break down easily, leading to accumulation over time. Studies have shown that certain PFAS can remain in the human body for years, and their presence has been detected in water, air, soil, and even wildlife.
Health Implications of PFAS Exposure
Exposure to PFAS has been linked to various health concerns:
- Cancer: Associations with kidney and testicular cancers.
- Liver Damage: Evidence of liver enzyme alterations.
- Immune System Effects: Reduced vaccine response and increased risk of infections.
- Developmental Issues: Low birth weights and developmental delays in infants.
- Thyroid Disease: Disruption of thyroid hormone levels.
According to the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR), "Some studies in humans have shown that certain PFAS may affect growth, learning, and behavior of infants and older children."
Timeline of PFAS Awareness and Regulation
- 1940s: PFAS chemicals are developed for industrial applications.
- 1950s-2000s: Widespread use in consumer products and firefighting foams.
- 2000: 3M announces the phase-out of PFOS production.
- 2006: EPA launches the PFOA Stewardship Program to reduce emissions.
- 2016: EPA sets a 70 parts per trillion health advisory level for PFOA and PFOS in drinking water.
- 2022: EPA issues updated health advisories, significantly lowering acceptable levels.
- 2023: 3M agrees to a $10.3 billion settlement over PFAS water contamination claims.
Recent Developments
In 2023, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) proposed new regulations to limit PFAS levels in drinking water, aiming to reduce exposure risks. These efforts reflect growing recognition of the need to address PFAS contamination comprehensively.
What This Means for You
You may have been exposed to these chemicals if you have lived near a military base or industrial site or used products containing PFAS. Understanding your exposure and potential health risks is crucial.
Take Action
Shield Legal Network is committed to helping individuals affected by PFAS exposure. Our legal experts can help you understand your rights and pursue potential compensation.
Contact us today to learn more about how we can assist you in addressing PFAS-related concerns.
Those who qualify may request a free, private case evaluation by a personal injury attorney!
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Answer a few basic questions to get started
We'll ask specific questions to understand the situation, the injuries, and other vital info to help determine the next steps.
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A qualified legal team led by a personal injury attorney will consider the facts of the case and the potential for compensation.
Have an individual claim filed for compensation
Those that qualify will have an individual claim filed in a court of law for the justice and compensation they deserve.
Don’t suffer the personal injury of PFAS contamination in silence any longer—we fight for justice!
Victims of toxic PFAS “forever chemicals”—and the families that suffered with them—should have every opportunity to address the government in court and get the compensation and justice they deserve.
