May 29, 2025 | PFAS Lawsuit Attorneys

PFAS, often referred to as “forever chemicals,” have become a critical topic in environmental health and safety discussions. These man-made chemicals are persistent in the environment and have significant implications for public health, especially when found in drinking water supplies. As someone deeply involved in legal cases related to PFAS exposure—including firefighter cancer claims and municipal water contamination—I want to share everything you need to know about PFAS, their impact on health, and the ongoing efforts to hold responsible parties accountable. This comprehensive guide will break down what PFAS are, where they come from, how they affect us, and what legal recourse is available.

What Are PFAS Forever Chemicals?

PFAS stands for per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, a large group of synthetic chemicals used since the 1940s. The defi

ning characteristic of PFAS is their resistance to breaking down in nature, which is why they are commonly called “forever chemicals.” Unlike many substances that degrade over time, PFAS can persist in the environment for hundreds, even thousands, of years.

These chemicals were originally developed for their ability to resist heat, water, and oil. This made them incredibly useful in a variety of industrial and consumer products. However, their durability also means that once PFAS enter the environment—especially water supplies—they remain there indefinitely, accumulating over time.

What Are PFAS Chemicals Used For?

The most significant and widespread use of PFAS has been in firefighting foam, specifically aqueous film-forming foam (AFFF). This foam is highly effective at extinguishing high-temperature fires, including jet fuel fires, by suffocating the flames rather than using water. Military bases, airports, and firefighting training centers have used AFFF extensively since the 1960s, often spraying it directly onto the ground during drills.

Beyond firefighting foam, PFAS are found in many everyday products:

• Waterproof and stain-resistant outdoor rugs and carpets
• Waterproof clothing and gear
• Teflon and other non-stick cookware coatings
• Some types of makeup
• Food packaging materials

Unfortunately, the widespread use of PFAS in so many products means they have found their way into numerous water supplies, primarily through runoff and leaching from contaminated sites.

How Do PFAS Contaminate Drinking Water?

The primary pathway for PFAS contamination in drinking water is through groundwater infiltration. When firefighting foam is used, especially during training exercises, it is often sprayed on the ground. Rainwater then carries these chemicals down through the soil into the groundwater, which eventually feeds into municipal water supplies, lakes, and rivers.

Airports, military bases, and industrial sites are common hotspots for PFAS contamination. For example, water wells near airports or Air Force bases frequently show PFAS levels thousands of times higher than the levels found in typical municipal water supplies.

One of the biggest challenges with PFAS is their stability. Unlike gasoline or other contaminants that break down over time, PFAS chemicals have half-lives that can span hundreds to thousands of years. This means that even if contamination stopped today, PFAS would remain in the environment—and in our water—for generations.

What Does PFAS Do to Your Body?

Scientific research has clearly demonstrated negative health effects associated with PFAS exposure. These chemicals accumulate in the human body, particularly in the blood, and can persist for years. Some studies suggest that PFAS can remain in the bloodstream indefinitely, especially if exposure continues.

Health issues linked to PFAS exposure include:

• Testicular cancer
• Thyroid disease
• Kidney cancer
• Ulcerative colitis
• High cholesterol
• Prostate cancer (with growing evidence)

These illnesses are often referred to as “leech injuries” based on a landmark case involving a community of about 3,500 people exposed to high PFAS levels. This case provided strong evidence connecting PFAS contamination to multiple health conditions and has served as a foundation for many lawsuits.

Although the science is still evolving, the consensus is clear: PFAS chemicals are harmful to human health, and the list of associated diseases may grow as new research emerges.

Which Products Contain PFAS?

PFAS are surprisingly common in everyday products, sometimes in places you wouldn’t expect. Some of the main sources include:

• Prepared food packaging (especially fast-food containers)
• Non-stick cookware with Teflon coatings
• Waterproof and stain-resistant fabrics and outdoor gear
• Certain types of makeup
• Outdoor rugs and carpets
• Firefighting foam used in training and emergencies

Interestingly, PFAS have even been found in products marketed as “PFAS-free,” such as disposable plates and utensils, which raises concerns about the accuracy of labeling and potential cross-contamination.

How Many People Are Exposed to PFAS?

Conservative estimates indicate that roughly half of the United States population has been exposed to PFAS-contaminated water at some point. Because municipal water systems often draw from sources like rivers, lakes, and groundwater, many communities—especially near industrial or military sites—have detectable levels of PFAS in their water supplies.

Exposure is not limited to drinking water; it can also occur through bathing, cooking, and even breathing in vapors during showers. Travelers are also at risk, as water quality varies by location and many hotels or public facilities may have untreated or contaminated water.

How Much PFAS Is Dangerous?

Determining a safe level of PFAS in drinking water has been challenging. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has proposed a health advisory level of 4 parts per trillion (ppt) for certain PFAS compounds. To put this in perspective, 1 ppt is roughly equivalent to one drop of water in 20 swimming pools.

Many municipalities have PFAS levels below this advisory, but even low levels are concerning due to the chemicals’ persistence and bioaccumulation. There is currently no established “safe” amount of PFAS exposure, and the goal is to reduce these chemicals to the lowest possible level.

Why Are PFAS Called Forever Chemicals?

PFAS earn their nickname “forever chemicals” because of their extraordinary chemical stability. These compounds resist breaking down in the environment, thanks to the strong carbon-fluorine bonds in their molecular structure.

While some PFAS may degrade very slowly over thousands of years, for all practical purposes, they remain in the environment indefinitely. This means that the contamination accumulates over time, increasing exposure risks for humans and wildlife.

Are PFAS Still Used Today?

Yes, PFAS are still in use, although regulatory efforts are underway to phase them out in many applications. The Department of Defense has agreed to phase out certain PFAS-containing firefighting foams, and several states are enacting laws to limit PFAS use in products like waterproof clothing.

However, many products containing PFAS remain on the market, and legacy contamination continues to pose serious problems. Additionally, newer formulations of firefighting foam and other products are being developed, but their safety profiles are not yet fully understood.

How Can You Remove PFAS from Drinking Water?

Removing PFAS from drinking water is complex and requires specialized treatment technologies. Two primary methods are commonly used:

1. Activated Carbon Filtration: This method uses activated carbon to adsorb PFAS molecules from water. It is effective at lower contamination levels but generates spent carbon that contains concentrated PFAS, which must be disposed of safely.
2. Reverse Osmosis (RO): RO systems filter water through a membrane that blocks PFAS and other contaminants. This method produces very pure water but is more expensive and energy-intensive.

Municipal water treatment plants are increasingly adopting these technologies, but widespread implementation is costly and logistically challenging. Additionally, there are currently no federal standards for PFAS discharge in wastewater treatment plant outflows, although this is expected to change.

How Long Does PFAS Stay in Your Body?

PFAS can remain in the human body for years, possibly even indefinitely. The half-life of certain PFAS chemicals in the blood can range from three to eight years, meaning it takes that long for half of the chemical to be eliminated. Continuous exposure can maintain or increase PFAS levels in the body.

Blood tests can help determine PFAS exposure levels, which is particularly useful for individuals living near known contamination sites or for firefighters regularly exposed to PFAS-containing foam.

What Is the PFAS Lawsuit About?

The PFAS lawsuit is a large-scale legal effort to hold chemical manufacturers accountable for contamination and health damages caused by PFAS. This multi-district litigation (MDL) consolidates numerous federal cases into one central court.

The litigation covers several types of claims:

• Municipal Water Claims: Lawsuits filed by cities and towns seeking compensation for contamination and cleanup costs.
• Personal Injury Claims: Cases brought by individuals, including firefighters and residents exposed to PFAS, who have developed illnesses linked to these chemicals.
• Contaminated Site Claims: Lawsuits involving specific polluted locations such as military bases and airports.

The defendants are typically major chemical companies like 3M, DuPont, Dow, and BASF, who produced and sold PFAS chemicals for decades despite knowing their environmental and health risks.

Who Can File a PFAS Lawsuit?

Both individuals and municipalities can file PFAS claims, provided they can demonstrate exposure and harm related to PFAS contamination.

Individuals: People who have developed specific illnesses tied to PFAS exposure, such as firefighters, military personnel, or residents living near contaminated sites.

Municipalities: Cities and towns that have tested positive for PFAS in their water supplies and are responsible for providing safe drinking water to residents.

What Is the Potential Payout for PFAS Lawsuits?

Determining the value of PFAS lawsuits is complex and depends on many factors, including the severity of injuries, the strength of scientific evidence, and negotiated settlements. Past cases suggest payouts can reach hundreds of thousands of dollars or more for individuals suffering serious health effects.

For municipalities, settlements often focus on funding cleanup efforts and ensuring safe water supplies for residents. The companies involved are large corporations with substantial financial resources, which increases the likelihood of meaningful compensation.

Why Is It Important to Know About PFAS?

PFAS contamination affects millions of Americans and has widespread implications for public health and safety. Understanding what PFAS are, how they enter our environment, and their potential health impacts empowers individuals and communities to take action.

One practical step everyone can take is to review their municipality’s annual water quality report. Many states require public water suppliers to disclose information about contaminants, including PFAS. If your local water report doesn’t include PFAS testing, you can request it from your water provider.

Being informed helps you advocate for safer water standards, support legislation to phase out harmful chemicals, and make personal choices to reduce exposure.

Conclusion

PFAS forever chemicals represent a serious environmental and health challenge due to their persistence, widespread use, and proven links to various diseases. From firefighting foam to everyday products, PFAS have permeated our world and water supplies.

Efforts to address PFAS contamination include advanced water filtration technologies, legal actions against chemical manufacturers, and regulatory moves to limit and phase out PFAS use. Despite these efforts, PFAS remain in many water sources and products, making ongoing vigilance essential.

If you suspect PFAS contamination in your community or have health concerns related to exposure, understanding your rights and available resources can make a significant difference. Knowledge is power, and staying informed about PFAS is the first step toward protecting yourself, your family, and your community from these forever chemicals.

Call us at 402-933-3345 if you have any questions about PFAS lawsuits.

You Need to Know About PFAS and Forever Chemicals