PFAS Health Risks Legal News Articles & Interviews

Kingston, RI A University of Rhode Island study has confirmed that increased PFAS content in blood promotes weight gain and makes it harder to keep a lower body weight after weight loss. Perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl (PFAS/PFOA) “forever chemicals” have previously been linked to a variety of health conditions, including cancers, liver disease and thyroid disease. The newly-found connection with obesity effectively doubles the health risks caused by this environmental contaminant.

Washington, DC New reports suggest that technological innovations may be effective in scrubbing perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl (PFAS/PFOA) “forever chemicals” from the nation’s drinking water. These innovations suggest part of a prospective remedy for the widespread health and environmental damage caused by these chemicals.

New York, NY In late January, Thinx, Inc. announced that it had reached a $5 million settlement agreement to end Dickens v. Thinx, Inc., a class action perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl (PFAS/PFOA) lawsuit. Thinx will provide up to $5 million to reimburse consumers who bought the company’s signature period underwear between November 12, 2016 and November 28, 2022. To put this in perspective, reimbursements are limited to $7.00 per pair (up to 3 pairs) for consumers who still have receipts and $3.50 per pair (same limit) for those who do not. The initial purchase price of these undies runs up to $35.00 per pair.

Santa Clara, CA 3M Company, which manufactures toxic per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) products, has promised to end production of ‘forever chemicals” by 2025. Critics say 3M’s move is related to its more than 3,000 firefighter foam cancer lawsuits, and attorneys anticipate more product liability complaints. Will the company make good its commitment? Will it stop making Scotchgard products?

Alameda, CA  On November 10, the state of California filed a perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl (PFAS/PFOA) lawsuit in California Superior Court against 3M Co. and more than a dozen other defendants involved in the manufacture and distribution of these toxic “forever chemicals.” California v. 3M Company alleges that these substances, which have been widely used in the manufacture of products from firefighting foam to dental floss, have contaminated soil and water supplies and are now found in the bloodstreams of 98 percent of California’s 39 million people. Even at low concentrations, they have been linked to cancer and a variety of other health problems.

Washington, DC Perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl (PFAS/PFOA) foams have been a staple of military and civilian firefighting operations for sixty years. But their usefulness in fighting liquid fuel fires comes at a steep price for the planet and human health.

Santa Clara, CA PFAS water contamination lawsuits will go to the first bellwether trial over toxic chemicals in firefighting foam in March 2023 and the latest aqueous film-forming foam (AFFF) complaint was filed last month in the Supreme Court of the State of New York.

Spring, TXA former U.S. Navy firefighter has recently filed a civil action against about 18 chemical and safety equipment manufacturers claiming PFAS in firefighting foam caused his testicular cancer. Defendants, the Defense Department and more knew of the dangers but chose not to inform the public.

Charleston, SC A Maryland woman in August filed a PFAS lawsuit in the U.S. District Court for the District of South Carolina claiming she developed breast cancer as a result of drinking water contaminated with firefighting foam chemicals for years.

Augusta, ME Maine is the first state to ban polyfluoroalkyl substances – toxic chemicals that are used in firefighting foam and many other products. PFAS, also known as ‘forever chemicals’, has been linked to water contamination, which has led to many serious health issues and PFAS lawsuits nationwide.