PFAS are called forever chemicals because they don’t break down in the environment. This makes them dangerous for anyone consistently exposed to them over time.
What Are PFAS?
PFAS, or per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, are a group of over 12,000 synthetic chemicals. Manufacturers have been producing these chemicals since the 1940s. Their appeal is their resistance to heat, water, oil, grease, and stains.
However, their resistance capabilities also mean that they do not break down in soil, water, or the body.
What Forever Chemicals Are Used in the United States?
There are several forever chemicals that are used in the United States. Some of the most common types of forever chemicals that have been used are:
- PFOS
- PFOA
- PFBS
- PFBA
- PFHxS
- PFNA
- PFHxA
- PFHxS
- PFPeA
- PFPeS
According to a United States Geological Survey (USGS) study, the PFAS most frequently found in tap water in the United States included PFBS, PFHxS, and PFOA. The study observed 17 different PFAS at least once.
As of May 2024, we know the most about PFOA and PFOS.
What Products Contain PFAS?
All types of products contain PFAS, including:
- Nonstick cookware
- Cosmetics
- Rugs, furniture, and upholstery
- Firefighting foam, also known as aqueous film forming foam or AFFF
- Water-resistant fabrics (e.g., raincoats and umbrellas)
- Cleaning products
Much of the United States’ drinking water contains forever chemicals.
Have Any PFAS Been Banned?
Yes. Several states have banned certain types of PFAS-containing substances. Some states have banned the sale of Aqueous Film Forming Foam (AFFF or firefighting foam) containing PFAS in certain cases.
Several laws in states across the nation prohibit the sale or use of certain PFAS. Some states have also passed laws requiring that most or all of the products manufactured in that state to be PFAS-free.
The US has also stopped using certain types of grease-proofing PFAS in food packaging, as of February 2024.
Where Are PFAS Found?
PFAS are found everywhere. Common sources of exposure include water (both drinking water and non-drinking water sources), food packaging, plants and animals grown, raised, and processed in exposure areas, and industrial sites and military bases.
The USGS study estimates that PFAS is in 45% of tap water across the US.
What Are the Dangers Associated with PFAS?
Forever chemicals have been contaminating water for some time. We have been learning about the dangers for the past decade or two. PFAS have been linked to several severe illnesses, including:
- Ulcerative colitis
- Kidney cancer
- Liver cancer
- Testicular cancer
As we learn more about the health effects of PFAS, more illnesses may be linked to exposure to forever chemicals.
Some PFAS Have Been Classified As Carcinogens or Potentially Carcinogenic
In 2023, the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) Working Group classified PFOA as carcinogenic to humans. It also classified PFOS as possibly carcinogenic to humans.
It found “sufficient evidence for cancer in experimental animals and strong mechanistic evidence” for PFOA and “limited evidence for cancer in humans (renal cell carcinoma and testicular cancer) and strong mechanistic evidence” of cancer in experimental animals for PFOS.
Certain Groups Are at a Higher Risk of Exposure and Ill Effects
PFAS are dangerous to all humans, but there are some people who may have a higher risk, according to the EPA. Adults who live or work near high-exposure areas are more likely to be exposed. Pregnant and lactating women may also have higher exposure because they typically drink more water than a non-pregnant person.
Children are also more likely to be exposed to PFAS for several reasons:
- They drink more water and eat more food per pound of body weight than adults.
- They breathe more air per pound of body weight than adults.
- Babies, infants, and toddlers crawl on floors and put toys and other objects in their mouths. This could allow a greater exposure to PFAS-contaminated rugs, toys, and cleaning products.
They are also more sensitive to PFAS as they are still growing.
Why Is Knowledge About PFAS So Limited?
There are over 12,000 different types of PFAS. This makes it very hard for scientists to determine the dangers present in PFAS.
Is It Possible to Avoid Forever Chemicals?
There are things that you can do to reduce your exposure to forever chemicals:
- Don’t use nonstick cookware. Instead, buy glass, ceramic, stainless steel, or cast iron.
- Drink filtered or bottled water. Per the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), there are specific filters available that can remove PFAS from your water.
- Avoid apparel, furniture, and cosmetics that contain PFAS.
- Know where your fish comes from. A study by the Environmental Working Group found that PFAS were found in many types of freshwater fish.
You can also get your water tested for PFAS.
What the Government Has Done to Protect to Protect Residents from PFAS
The Biden-Harris administration finalized the first-ever national drinking water standard on April 10, 2024, according to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).
Before this national drinking water standard, several states had passed their own standards.
Many states have also passed laws banning specific types of PFAS.
Filing a PFAS Lawsuit
Most people have been exposed to PFAS chemicals. If your exposure caused your illness, you may be able to join a PFAS mass tort case to recover compensation. To qualify, you must meet the following criteria:
- You drank contaminated water for at least six consecutive months (starting after January 1, 1990), AND
- A doctor diagnosed you with ulcerative colitis, kidney cancer, liver cancer, or testicular cancer (after January 1, 2000).
Our team can help you establish these criteria.
Get Help Today if You Were Diagnosed with a Serious Injury After PFAS Exposure
If you or a loved one is sick because of your PFAS exposure, you may qualify for compensation. The Guardian Legal Network wants to help you get it. Call us today to get connected with a PFAS lawsuit lawyer in your area: (844) 207-0415.