Understanding the Legal Implications of PFAS Exposure: Your Guide to “Forever Chemicals” Litigation

At Rueb Stoller Daniel, we fight for individuals harmed by PFAS exposure and other dangerous chemicals. Our team has extensive experience in mass tort litigation, holding corporations accountable for toxic contamination and its serious health effects. We work on a contingency basis, meaning you pay nothing unless we win your case. If you’ve been affected by PFAS-contaminated water, occupational exposure, or consumer products, we’re here to help.

PFAS exposure has become a growing public health concern, with scientific studies linking these toxic substances to cancer, immune suppression, thyroid disease, and other serious health effects. Found in drinking water, consumer products, and workplaces, PFAS chemicals persist in the environment and the human body, earning them the name “forever chemicals.” As awareness of PFAS contamination increases, lawsuits against manufacturers like 3M and DuPont seek justice for those harmed.

In this blog, we discuss PFAS exposure risks, legal options, and how working with an experienced mass tort attorney at Rueb Stoller Daniel can help victims pursue compensation for PFAS-related health conditions.

Health Risks Linked to PFAS Exposure

Exposure to PFAS chemicals has been linked to serious health effects, including cancer, immune suppression, and hormone disruption. Scientific studies and federal agencies continue to assess the impact of PFAS contamination in drinking water, consumer products, and occupational settings.

Cancer Risk

PFAS exposure is linked to kidney cancer, testicular cancers, and breast cancer. Perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) and perfluorooctanesulfonic acid (PFOS) disrupt cell function, increasing cancer risk. CDC and other federal agencies continue to study long-term effects.

Immune System Suppression

PFAS chemicals weaken the immune system, reducing antibody response and the ability to fight infections. NIOSH researchers are investigating links between occupational exposure and immune health risks.

Hormonal Disruption and Thyroid Disease

PFAS contamination interferes with thyroid hormone production, leading to thyroid disease. Higher exposures are linked to hypothyroidism, weight gain, and fatigue.

Developmental and Metabolic Effects

PFAS exposure in pregnancy is linked to low birth weight, developmental delays, and immune issues. Elevated blood levels are also associated with high cholesterol, hypertension, and liver damage.

Occupational Exposure Risks

Workers in military installations, industrial plants, and firefighting face higher exposures from aqueous film-forming foams and contaminated water or soil. NIOSH researchers are working to measure PFAS levels and assess health risks.

Ongoing Research and Regulation

The EPA and CDC continue to study health effects of PFAS. More research is needed to establish safe exposure limits and prevent further contamination.

Common Sources of PFAS Exposure

PFAS contamination is widespread, affecting drinking water, consumer products, and occupational environments. Exposure occurs through everyday activities and industrial processes, leading to adverse health outcomes.

Drinking Water Contamination

PFAS-contaminated water is a major source of exposure, especially near military bases, industrial sites, and wastewater treatment plants. Polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) seep into groundwater and municipal water supplies, leading to elevated levels in affected communities. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) continues to develop analytical methods to measure PFAS in water sources.

Consumer Products

Many everyday products contain PFAS chemicals, including non-stick cookware, water-repellent clothing, stain-resistant fabrics, and food packaging. These items contribute to low-level exposure through breathing air, household dust, and direct skin contact.

Firefighting Foam and Occupational Exposure

Aqueous film-forming foams (AFFF) used by firefighters and military personnel are a major source of occupational exposure. Workers at military installations, airports, and industrial plants face higher exposures due to direct contact with PFAS chemicals in fire suppression systems.

Contaminated Soil and Agriculture

PFAS contamination affects soil and crops, leading to exposure through food consumption. Contaminated water used for irrigation introduces PFAS chemicals into agricultural products and livestock, further increasing human exposure through the food chain.

Ongoing Research and Risk Assessment

Federal agencies continue to study how exposures occur and assess health risks. Developing analytical methods to track PFAS contamination is critical for protecting public health and limiting future exposure.

PFAS Firefighting Foam

The Legal Landscape: PFAS Litigation

Lawsuits against PFAS manufacturers are increasing as evidence links PFAS exposure to serious health effects. Legal actions focus on holding corporations accountable for PFAS contamination in drinking water, consumer products, and workplaces.

Major Lawsuits and Settlements

Companies like 3M, DuPont, and Chemours face lawsuits for knowingly producing PFAS chemicals while ignoring health risks. Some cases have led to multimillion-dollar settlements, while others continue in mass tort litigation.

Legal Claims Against Manufacturers

Plaintiffs argue that PFAS producers acted with negligence and failed to warn the public. Lawsuits cite:

  • Product liability for selling toxic substances
  • Environmental contamination affecting water supply and soil
  • Failure to warn about adverse health outcomes

Government Actions and Regulations

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and other federal agencies are working to regulate PFAS chemicals. Some states have set limits on PFAS in drinking water, while litigation pressures manufacturers to take responsibility.

The Future of PFAS Litigation

More lawsuits are expected as scientific studies strengthen links between PFAS exposure and human health effects. Ongoing research and legal actions aim to protect communities and secure compensation for affected individuals.

Who Is Eligible to File a PFAS Lawsuit?

Individuals affected by PFAS exposure may have legal grounds to file a lawsuit. Eligibility depends on proof of exposure and a diagnosed health condition linked to PFAS contamination.

Individuals Exposed to PFAS-Contaminated Water

Residents living near military bases, industrial sites, or wastewater facilities may have ingested PFAS chemicals through drinking water contamination. Those with elevated blood levels of PFAS chemicals may qualify for legal action.

Workers with Occupational Exposure

Firefighters, military personnel, and industrial workers using aqueous film-forming foams (AFFF) or handling synthetic chemicals face higher exposures. NIOSH researchers continue to assess the risks for these professions.

People Diagnosed with PFAS-Linked Health Conditions

Individuals suffering from kidney cancer, testicular cancers, breast cancer, thyroid disease, or immune system suppression may be eligible to file a claim. Scientific studies have linked these conditions to PFAS contamination.

Importance of Medical and Exposure Documentation

Successful claims require medical records, PFAS testing results, and proof of exposure from drinking water, occupational environments, or consumer products. More research is being conducted to strengthen legal claims.

Steps to Take If You’ve Been Affected

If you have been exposed to PFAS, taking immediate steps can help protect your health and legal rights. Monitoring your condition and gathering evidence is critical for medical and legal claims.

Get Medical Testing and Monitoring

Request PFAS testing to check for elevated blood levels. Discuss possible health effects with a doctor, especially if you have symptoms linked to PFAS exposure, such as thyroid disease, immune suppression, or cancer. Regular clinical follow-up may be necessary.

Document Your Exposure

Identify sources of PFAS contamination in your environment. If you lived near military bases, industrial plants, or areas with contaminated drinking water, keep records of water supply reports, workplace history, and household exposure sources.

Consult a Qualified Mass Tort Attorney

An attorney experienced in PFAS litigation can evaluate your case. They will review medical records, exposure history, and scientific studies to determine eligibility for a lawsuit. Legal professionals can help secure compensation for medical expenses and damages.

Stay Informed on PFAS Research and Regulations

Federal agencies continue to investigate health risks of PFAS chemicals. Understanding current research and legal developments can help affected individuals make informed decisions about medical care and legal action.

How a Mass Tort Law Firm Can Assist You

A mass tort law firm can help individuals harmed by PFAS exposure seek compensation. Legal professionals handle complex environmental cases, ensuring victims hold PFAS manufacturers accountable.

Legal Experience in PFAS Lawsuits

Firms like Rueb Stoller Daniel specialize in mass tort litigation for victims of PFAS contamination. Their attorneys understand scientific studies, PFAS exposure risks, and legal strategies needed to fight corporate defendants.

Building a Strong Case

A law firm gathers medical records, exposure history, and PFAS testing results to establish claims. They work with NIOSH researchers and federal agencies to link PFAS exposure to adverse health outcomes such as kidney cancer, thyroid disease, and immune suppression.

Maximizing Compensation

Victims may receive compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, and suffering. Rueb Stoller Daniel helps clients navigate mass tort claims, ensuring higher exposures and related health effects are fully documented.

No Upfront Costs

Most mass tort law firms, including Rueb Stoller Daniel, work on contingency fees. Clients pay nothing unless they win, making legal representation accessible for those affected by PFAS-contaminated water, occupational exposure, or consumer products.

Taking Action

If you or a loved one has dealt with PFAS exposure, contact Rueb Stoller Daniel for a free consultation. Their team can assess your case and help you seek justice for PFAS-related health problems.

Consult With Rueb Stoller Daniel If You’ve Been Exposed To PFAS Today!

If you or a loved one has been exposed to PFAS and are suffering from health issues linked to PFAS contamination, you may have legal options. Our team at Rueb Stoller Daniel has the experience and resources to help you pursue compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, and other damages.

Contact us at 1-866-CALL-RSD for a free claim review today!