PFAS 'Forever Chemicals'
Numerous individuals have been exposed to dangerous levels of PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances) while living on military bases, resulting in detrimental health effects. Lawsuits are emerging due to alleged negligence from companies that developed and marketed these toxic chemicals, and from the government for failing to take appropriate measures.
PFAS is a group of man-made chemicals that are resistant to heat, water, and oil. They have been widely used since the 1940s in a variety of applications, including firefighting foams – a common source of contamination at military bases. PFAS can remain in the environment and in the human body for extended periods, earning them the nickname “forever chemicals.”
Due to their prevalence and persistence, these chemicals have made their way into drinking water systems, particularly in areas near military bases where PFAS-infused firefighting foams were regularly used. This has led to numerous military personnel and their families being exposed to PFAS.
Studies have suggested that high levels of PFAS exposure can lead to serious health issues including kidney and testicular cancer, thyroid disease, high cholesterol, pregnancy-induced hypertension, and ulcerative colitis, among others.
The government and PFAS manufacturers are facing an increasing number of lawsuits. Companies like 3M, DuPont, and Chemours are under scrutiny for producing these chemicals while allegedly downplaying their harmful effects. Moreover, the Department of Defense is accused of negligent management of PFAS contamination on military bases.
One of the most notable lawsuits related to PFAS involves chemical giant DuPont. In a high-profile case in 2017, DuPont and Chemours agreed to pay $671 million to settle 3,550 lawsuits in Ohio and West Virginia alleging that they released PFAS into the Ohio River, causing numerous health issues.
In 2020, 3M, the manufacturer of a firefighting foam commonly used on military bases, settled a lawsuit in Alabama for $35 million due to PFAS contamination.
If you or a loved one lived or worked on a military base and have experienced health issues potentially linked to PFAS exposure, you may be eligible to file a lawsuit. The lawsuits are seeking damages for medical expenses, loss of income, pain and suffering, and in some tragic cases, wrongful death.
The window for filing a lawsuit is time-limited, so it’s important to act quickly. A skilled attorney can provide guidance and help determine if you qualify to seek compensation.
