Florida PFAS Contamination Lawsuit / Forever Chemicals Lawyer

3M and DuPont, two major chemical manufacturers, have been embroiled in numerous legal battles initiated by states, municipalities, school districts, territories, and other government organizations. The lawsuits allege that for an extended period, the companies have been contaminating cities’ groundwater and potable water supply with a hazardous chemical referred to as PFAS. This chemical is linked to grave health conditions including cancer.

If you, your family member, or your community is experiencing the damaging effects of PFAS pollution, please get in touch with Injury Attorney Philip DeBerard at 1-800-299-8878.

What are PFAS?

PFAS stands for per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances. They are man-made chemicals that industries have been utilizing since the 1940s. With their surfactant (water-spreading) ability, PFAS are a component of aqueous film-forming foams (AFFF), a material often used for firefighting. PFAS are also in certain clothing, furniture coating, contact surfaces for food, and various other consumer and industrial commodities.

The Fight Against “Forever Chemicals”

Among the most commonly employed and examined PFAS are perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) and perfluorooctanesulfonic acid (PFOS). They are now being phased out due to their detrimental effects. These substances, along with others from the same chemical group, are dubbed “forever chemicals,” as they are resistant to environmental degradation and may accumulate in the human bloodstream.

Where are Forever Chemicals Found?

Forever chemicals, particularly PFOA and PFOS, are in everyday household items, including:

• Personal care items like shampoo and dental floss
• Food packaging materials like popcorn bags and candy wrappers
• Furniture, particularly painted or varnished ones
• Carpets and upholstery
• Cookware, particularly non-stick ones
• Drinking water

The extensive production and consumption of these goods provide a great chance for the dispersion of chemicals into the atmosphere, soil, and water.

Hazardous Chemical Leakage

The permanence of these so-called forever chemicals becomes a problem when leakage occurs. PFAS chemicals, known for their exceptional resilience, create contamination that does not diminish even after the initial leakage. On the contrary, these leakages and contaminations continuously accumulate, escalating the associated health risks.

Several firms that previously utilized PFAS failed to implement the necessary measures to avert leaks and pollution. Astonishingly, companies like DuPont, 3M, and Chemours still neglect to do so, and are hence sued by several states and municipalities for widespread environmental contamination.

To counter this, government watchdogs have introduced various measures, including a projected phaseout of specific PFAS chemicals and the proposal of new maximum limits on other PFAS chemicals that the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) would enforce.

PFAS exposure can occur through a variety of mediums. These include drinking water tainted with these chemicals, inhaling polluted air, consuming food such as fish or venison that has been exposed to PFAS, or interacting with food items packaged with these chemicals. The EPA declared in March 2021 that it would regulate PFOA and PFOS in potable water, but the regulation is still awaiting approval as of this writing (August 2023).

Studies show that these toxic substances may cause acute health problems in humans after consumption through food and water or inhalation of contaminated air and dust. These health problems include various cancers, liver and thyroid damage, reduced fertility, and elevated cholesterol levels, among other conditions.

At the DeBerard law firm, we have lawyers who specialize in forever chemicals. They are capable of assisting individuals affected by these toxic exposures, and are not afraid to stand up to powerful corporations. Call us for your free consultation and see how we can help you.

What Types of Cancers are Associated with PFAS?

PFAS are associated with a range of cancers including:

• Breast cancer
• Liver cancer
• Kidney cancer
• Blood cancer (leukemia, lymphoma, or myeloma)
• Bladder cancer
• Thyroid cancer
• Pancreatic cancer
• Testicular cancer
• Prostate cancer.

The National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI) published a study that involved over 25,000 cancer patients in Ohio and West Virginia, regions known for PFOA contamination in drinking water. This study indicated a correlation between elevated PFOA blood levels and the cancers listed above.

Additional serious illnesses with potential links to PFAS include:

• Preeclampsia
• Thyroid disease, both hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism
• Ulcerative colitis

Have you or your loved one developed an illness after using a PFAS material? Consult with Philip DeBerard for a free case assessment.

Legal Action Against Forever Chemicals

3M, a US-based multinational firm, has been named in a class action lawsuit, while ten other PFAS manufacturers are also facing claims. The lawsuits aim to recover damages for contaminated natural resources, the associated health risks, and water pollution caused by substances such as PFAS and its related products.

The ten other companies that have faced legal action or liabilities related to PFAS contamination include:

• Buckeye Fire Equipment Company
• Chemguard, Inc.
• Corteva, Inc.
• DuPont de Nemours, Inc.
• I. du Pont de Nemours and Company
• Kidde-Fenwal, Inc.
• National Foam, Inc.
• The Chemours Company
• The Chemours Company FC, LLC
• Tyco Fire Products L.P.

Large corporations, including DuPont, Chemours, and Corteva, have individually decided to settle the lawsuits filed against them in multidistrict litigation. A cumulative agreement of $4 billion is allocated for this, with more than $1 billion set aside to potentially answer for future liabilities related to legacy PFAS.

Moreover, an increasing number of states including Ohio, Michigan, Vermont, and Maine are seeking legal action against enterprises accountable for PFAS pollution. If you suspect that you have suffered damages due to forever chemicals, we advise you to get in touch with the forever chemical attorneys at the DeBerard firm to explore your possible lawsuit.

PFAS Polluters’ Accountability

Evidence suggests that 3M and DuPont were aware of the potential hazards of PFAS substances. Lawsuits filed against these companies imply that they bore the responsibility to alert both the authorities and the general public of these hazards. Their decision to withhold such vital information has left numerous American communities grappling to cleanse their land and water systems of PFAS contamination.

Accomplished injury lawyer Philip DeBerard and his legal team are sincerely dedicated to the community. They are actively involved in various foundations and charities across Florida, contributing their time and financial support.

As an attorney, Mr. DeBerard functions as a reliable partner, providing qualified counsel and help in holding PFAS polluters accountable.

Contact a PFAS Contamination Lawsuit Attorney in Florida

Are you, your family, or your community affected by PFAS contamination? You may have the option to seek damages.

For a completely free consultation, get in touch with Attorney Philip DeBerard at our toll-free number 800-299-8878. Our diligent legal team is committed to maximizing the compensation you or your family might be entitled to.

We provide our legal services on a contingency basis, meaning there won’t be any charges unless we secure a victory on your behalf. You lose nothing by working with us. Call 800-299-8878 today.