PFAS Water Contamination Lawsuit Litigation Updates
August 19, 2024:
- Industry Groups Push Back Against EPA PFAS Reporting Requirements: Industry lobbyists and trade groups, including the American Chemistry Council (ACC) and the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, are urging the EPA to reduce the scope of its proposed PFAS reporting requirements. They are seeking exemptions for certain importers, small businesses, and those shipping small amounts of PFAS, as well as exclusions for PFAS created through impurities, byproducts, or small quantities, and for research and development use. Furthermore, they advocate for limiting reporting to only those PFAS with documented health concerns, despite the scarcity of such data and recent efforts by some chemical manufacturers to further restrict access to this information.
August 12, 2024:
- 3M PFAS Lawsuit Returned to State Court: A lawsuit accusing 3M of contaminating the Mississippi River with PFAS has been remanded back to state court. The company’s attempt to shift the case to federal court by invoking the government contractor defense was unsuccessful. The court determined that the lawsuit specifically targets pollution from 3M's Cordova facility and does not warrant federal jurisdiction.
August 6, 2024:
- New PFAS Lawsuit Targets 3M: A group of 88 plaintiffs has filed a lawsuit against 3M alleging widespread PFAS contamination near multiple military bases across the country. The plaintiffs claim exposure to PFAS from groundwater and seek compensation for resulting personal injuries, property damage, and environmental harm. The lawsuit accuses 3M of negligence and failure to warn about the dangers of PFAS, despite the company's knowledge of the chemicals' toxicity.
July 29, 2024:
- EPA to Test Private Wells for PFAS Near Army Bases: The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announces a pilot program to test private drinking water wells for PFAS contamination near U.S. Army bases. The initiative aims to identify potential PFAS leaks from military sites and may expand to other locations. Selected bases include Fort Liberty, Fort Hunter Ligett, Parks Reserve Forces Training Area, Fort Stewart, Fort Novosel, Blue Grass Army Depot, Fort Campbell, Fort Sill, and McAlester Army Ammunition Plant.
July 22, 2024:
- Lithium Ion Batteries May Contribute to Global PFAS Contamination: A study published in Nature Communications warns that the use of "forever chemicals" in lithium ion batteries could pose environmental and health risks. Researchers found elevated levels of PFAS linked to these batteries in soil and water near manufacturing facilities, particularly near a 3M plant in Minnesota.
July 12, 2024:
- Ohio Man Sues Over PFAS-Contaminated Drinking Water: An Ohio man files a lawsuit alleging that his testicular cancer diagnosis resulted from drinking water contaminated with fluorochemical products, specifically AFFF. The lawsuit claims the defendants knew about the harmful effects but continued selling the products without proper warnings, contributing to water contamination.
July 9, 2024:
- Concerns About the Risk of PFAS Extend Beyond Drinking Water:
- A new lawsuit has been filed against Kenvue Inc. and Johnson & Johnson Consumer Inc., alleging that certain Band-Aid products contain PFAS without informing consumers.
July 1, 2024:
- Alabama Resident Sues Over PFAS Contamination: A lawsuit is filed in Alabama alleging that 3M, Toray, and Daikin knowingly contaminated the environment with PFAS in Decatur, resulting in a resident's prostate cancer diagnosis.
June 30, 2024:
- Concerns About the Risk of PFAS Extend Beyond Drinking Water:
- A class action lawsuit is filed against Illuminati Labs LLC and RiseWell LLC, alleging that their children's toothpaste contains unsafe levels of PFAS, despite being marketed as natural, chemical-free, and safe to swallow.
- A class action lawsuit is filed against Costco and Nice-Pak Products, alleging that their Kirkland Signature Baby Wipes, marketed as naturally derived, contain unsafe levels of PFAS.
May 31, 2024:
- Concerns About the Risk of PFAS Extend Beyond Drinking Water:
- A class action lawsuit is filed against Coterie Baby, alleging deceptive marketing of their diapers as "PFAS-free" despite containing these potentially harmful chemicals.
- A class action lawsuit is filed against Enfamil, alleging that their infant formula contains "forever chemicals" (PFAS) without disclosure, raising health concerns for infants.
- A class action lawsuit is filed against Target, alleging that their Up & Up Flexible Fabric Bandages contain PFAS, which could be absorbed through open wounds.
May 28, 2024:
- North Alabama Woman Sues Over PFAS Water Contamination: A new PFAS water contamination lawsuit is filed in Alabama against 3M, Daikin America, Toray Fluorofibers (America), and others, alleging that the companies' discharge of PFAS chemicals into the Tennessee River led to the plaintiff's hypothyroidism diagnosis.
May 23, 2024:
- BASF Corp. Reaches $316.5 Million Settlement in PFAS Litigation: BASF Corp. agrees to pay $316.5 million to resolve claims in a South Carolina multidistrict litigation over PFAS contamination in drinking water. The settlement funds will be used for monitoring, treatment, and remediation of PFAS in affected water systems.
May 7, 2024:
- Kimberly-Clark Fights PFAS Lawsuit: Kimberly-Clark seeks dismissal of a class action lawsuit filed by Connecticut residents alleging PFAS contamination from their New Milford facility.
April 30, 2024:
- California Water Utilities Sue Over PFAS Contamination: California water utilities sue private companies, alleging they are responsible for contaminating the state's drinking water with PFAS.
April 24, 2024:
- Concerns About the Risk of PFAS Extend Beyond Drinking Water: Ornua Foods North America Inc. faces a lawsuit over alleged misrepresentations about the safety of its Kerrygold Butter packaging, which allegedly contains PFAS that can migrate into the butter.
April 17, 2024:
- PA Woman Sues Over Kidney Cancer Linked to PFAS: A Pennsylvania woman files a lawsuit alleging that her lifelong exposure to PFAS-contaminated water caused her kidney cancer. The lawsuit targets manufacturers of PFAS chemicals and fire safety equipment.
April 17, 2024:
- 3M Agrees to $12.5 Billion Settlement for PFAS Contamination: 3M reaches a historic $12.5 billion settlement to address PFAS contamination in U.S. public drinking water systems.
March 11, 2024:
- Connecticut Residents Sue Kimberly-Clark Over PFAS Pollution: A class action lawsuit is filed against Kleenex manufacturer Kimberly-Clark, alleging PFAS contamination in New Milford, Connecticut.
The Hidden Dangers of PFAS: How "Forever Chemicals" Contaminate Your Water, Home, and Body
From the food you eat to the water you drink, PFAS – or per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances – might be closer than you think.
These "forever chemicals" have infiltrated our everyday lives, leaving a toxic trail in their wake. Once hailed for their non-stick and stain-resistant properties, PFAS are now recognized as a serious threat to human health and the environment. But how did these chemicals become so pervasive, and what can you do to protect yourself and your family?
What Are PFAS?
PFAS, or per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, are a group of human-made chemicals that have become a pressing environmental and health concern. Known for their heat, oil, and water-resistant properties, they have been widely used in countless products for decades.
Unfortunately, these same properties make them incredibly persistent in the environment, earning them the nickname "forever chemicals."
PFAS Contamination in Water, Homes, & Beyond
Water contamination is one of the most significant issues related to PFAS. These chemicals can seep into groundwater from industrial sites, landfills, and military bases. Once in the water supply, they are challenging to remove, posing a serious health risk to communities reliant on these sources.
The Arizona Department of Health Services (ADHS) has highlighted that some PFAS in drinking water and certain products may be linked to various health problems, making it imperative to understand the risks:
- Cancer: Certain types of PFAS have been associated with an increased risk of kidney, testicular, and other cancers.
- Immune system suppression: PFAS can weaken the body's ability to fight off infections.
- Reproductive issues: Potential impacts on fertility and pregnancy outcomes.
- Liver damage: PFAS can accumulate in the liver and cause damage.
- Developmental delays: Children exposed to PFAS may experience developmental issues.
While water contamination is a major concern, PFAS are also present in many household products. As mentioned earlier, some non-stick cookware, stain-resistant fabrics, food packaging are common culprits. These products can release PFAS into our homes, contaminating indoor air and potentially transferring to food during cooking.
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To minimize exposure, consider the following steps:
- Choose PFAS-free products: Opt for cookware made from stainless steel, cast iron, or ceramic. Select clothing and furniture without stain-resistant finishes.
- Properly dispose of PFAS-containing products: Follow local guidelines for disposing of items like non-stick pans and Teflon-coated cookware.
- Maintain good indoor air quality: Ensure proper ventilation and consider using air purifiers to reduce indoor air pollution.
- Avoid boiling contaminated water: One important step is to avoid boiling water that might be contaminated with PFAS. Boiling can actually concentrate these chemicals, making the situation worse. Instead, seek alternative sources of safe water for drinking and cooking.
- Wash fruits and vegetables thoroughly: This can help remove any PFAS residue.
- Test your drinking water: If you have concerns about PFAS contamination, consider testing your water supply.
Fighting Back: PFAS Litigation and the Path to Justice
The widespread contamination of water supplies and the growing body of evidence linking PFAS to serious health issues have led to a surge in litigation against manufacturers and companies responsible for producing and using these chemicals.
- 3M Settlement: One of the most significant developments in PFAS litigation is the $10.3 billion settlement reached by 3M, a major manufacturer of PFAS, with public water systems affected by contamination. This landmark agreement will fund water treatment and other remediation efforts.
- Other Manufacturers: Numerous other companies involved in the production and use of PFAS are facing lawsuits, including DuPont, Chemours, and Corteva. These cases often involve claims of negligence, strict liability, and public nuisance.
- Class Action Lawsuits: In addition to lawsuits brought by individual communities and water systems, class action lawsuits have been filed on behalf of individuals who have suffered health problems due to PFAS exposure.
Have You Been Affected by PFAS? Know Your Rights and Options
If you or someone close to you has suffered or died from breast, kidney, pancreatic, prostate, or testicular cancer and you suspect PFAS exposure as the cause, you may have a legal claim.
The connection between PFAS exposure and these serious conditions has prompted many to seek justice and compensation for their suffering and losses. Immediate steps to filing a PFAS exposure lawsuit include:
- Consult an attorney: Engage with a lawyer specializing in PFAS exposure cases to understand your rights.
- Explore compensation: You may be eligible for compensation to cover medical costs and other damages.
PFAS are a serious issue, and taking proactive measures to protect yourself and your family is essential. If you believe you've been affected, don't hesitate to seek legal counsel to understand your options and potentially seek compensation for the harm caused by PFAS exposure.
Remember, you are not alone in this fight for justice and accountability.
