PFAS Water Contamination Lawsuit

Major US companies like Dupont and 3M are facing a wave of lawsuits accusing them of knowingly polluting water supplies with PFAS (Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances). These substances, commonly known as “forever chemicals”, may cause cancer and serious thyroid disease. Individuals, municipalities, and states are bringing the companies to court to seek compensation for injuries, clean-up costs, and punitive damages. 3M has already agreed to a settlement of over $10 billion, but other plaintiffs are pursuing legal action to ensure these companies cover the costs for PFAS water pollution.

December 1, 2024

3M video depositions shed light on PFAS litigation, company’s research.

November 11, 2024

A report from NRDC in 2021 identified landfills, wastewater plants, oil and gasoline facilities, metal plating and airports as sources of PFAS contamination. A report by NRDC in 2021 identified landfills, wastewater treatment plants, oil and gas facilities, metal plating facilities, and airports as likely sources of drinking water contamination.

November 10, 2024

Natural sources are the main source of arsenic found in California's water. Arsenic can be found in geological formations, and disturbed by human activities such as drilling and mining. Arsenic is a toxic substance that can enter soil and groundwater. It then contaminates drinking water. California State Water Resources Control Board cites forest fires and volcanic activity as the two most common sources of arsenic found in groundwater.

November 7, 2024

CA residents and workers continue to sue chemical manufacturers who produce products with PFAS after becoming ill from drinking water contaminated with toxic substances. Thousands of people are seeking compensation for treatment costs, lost wages and other damages. 

November 6, 2024

CA continues to monitor PFAS and address concerns. The widespread nature of the contamination, however, leaves many communities, particularly those who are vulnerable, no choice but continue to consume toxic water. In April 2024 several public water systems in the state decided to sue PFAS producers to support clean water initiatives. This lawsuit is a response to the EPA decision to set enforceable PFAS limits in drinking water.

• November 1, 2024 - Rural Missouri groups threaten lawsuit over PFAS in meatpacking sludge. Meatpacking waste sludge is spread as fertilizer on farmland and can wash into waterways.
• October 1, 2024 - PFAS everywhere: A Mass. class action lawsuit may set a new standard for damages.
• September 1, 2024 - Lawsuit settled against northwest Georgia city over toxin-laden drinking water
• August 1, 2024 - A win for public health: Court rejects Chemours lawsuit to scrap EPA health advisory

The PFAS water contamination lawsuits have been going on for several years now. In fact, companies like 3M have been facing – and been forced to settle – lawsuits since 2001. However, as public awareness has risen about the dangers of PFAS and its links to serious illnesses like cancer, in recent years, the number of lawsuits has swelled. One of the key milestones in recent PFAS lawsuits was the settlement agreement reached by 3M, which saw the company agree to pay $10.3 billion – one of the largest settlements for an environmental lawsuit in US history. Yet, individuals, many of whom claim to have been injured by PFAS exposure, are continuing to launch compensation cases against these companies.

The links between PFAS-contaminated water and serious illness have been acknowledged as far back as the 1960s. Interestingly, some of the earliest research actually comes from Dupont and 3M, both of whom have been accused of concealing evidence of PFAS risks. However, more recent scientific studies have further proven the link between PFAS and health risks, especially cancer. Much of the research comes from the findings of the C8 Health Project Panel, which produced a wide-ranging report in 2012.

PFAS Kidney Cancer

Exposure to PFAS has most notably been linked to an increased risk of kidney cancer. Studies have shown that these chemicals can accumulate in the kidneys, leading to cellular damage and the potential development of cancerous cells in the kidneys.

PFAS Testicular Cancer

PFAS exposure is also associated with a heightened risk of testicular cancer. This type of cancer is believed to be influenced by the hormonal disruptions caused by PFAS, leading to abnormal cell growth in the testes.

PFAS Liver Cancer

PFAS chemicals are known to affect liver function, which can result in liver cancer. These elements can cause liver cells to mutate and grow in such a way that they can lead to malignant tumors.

PFAS Thyroid Cancer

Exposure to PFAS has been linked to thyroid cancer due to the chemicals' impact on the regulations of thyroid hormones. PFAS can disrupt endocrine function, leading to the development of cancerous growths in the thyroid gland.

PFAS Ulcerative Colitis

PFAS exposure is linked with causing inflammatory bowel diseases, including ulcerative colitis. These chemicals can cause chronic inflammation in the digestive tract, potentially leading to ulcers and increasing the risk of colon cancer.

Under the Biden-Harris Administration, the EPA (Environmental Protection Agency) produced its first-ever national drinking water standards for PFAS. The guidelines, which will benefit from $9 billion in funding for testing and treatment of suspected PFAS-contaminated water, are designed to protect people from the health risks of PFAS exposure.

PFAS water contamination has been reported across the United States, especially in regions with industrial sites and military bases. These include, but are not limited to, Michigan (Kent and Kalamazoo counties), Minnesota (Minneapolis and St Paul), California (San Francisco and the Bay Area), and North Carolina (Fayetteville). In the latter, for example, heavy levels of PFAS contamination were found in the Cape Fear River, which provides drinking water to around one million North Carolina residents. 

Both Dupont and 3M have been forced to pay huge settlements in the past. As mentioned, there was 3M’s landmark $10.3 billion settlement agreed in June 2023. This came two years after a $4 billion settlement agreed by Dupont, Chemours, and Corteva. In 2018, 3M agreed to a $850 million settlement in Minnesota. One of the earliest settlements came from Dupont in 2005, paying $18.5 million to settle a class-action lawsuit in West Virginia. It’s not clear to what degree individuals with active PFAS lawsuits will benefit from the suits, or exactly how much compensation they will receive as part of any settlement agreement. But the dollar amount could be significant, especially if they have had serious illnesses like cancer.

What is PFAS Contamination in water?

PFAS are a group of chemicals that are resistant to degradation (breaking down into simpler substances). As such, PFAS chemicals have earned the moniker “forever chemicals.” They can enter the water system in a variety of ways, such as industrial waste, and from firefighting foams, landfills, and other activities linked to industrial and, sometimes, military sites. Studies have been ongoing for several decades to prove the link between PFAS exposure and diseases like cancer. In recent years, governments have launched initiatives to both treat PFAS-contaminated sites and raise public awareness of PFAS dangers. Recent years have also been characterized by a wave of lawsuits from individuals who claim they have been injured by PFAS exposure in water.

Can I sue for PFAS exposure?

Yes, PFAS exposure lawyers are asking anyone who has been exposed to PFAS and suffered health consequences to file lawsuits against responsible parties, including companies like 3M and Dupont.

What states are suing PFAS?

States like Michigan, New Jersey, and North Carolina have filed lawsuits against PFAS manufacturers for contaminating water supplies​. Some states have already secured billions in settlements.

Can I test my water for PFAS?

Yes, you can test your water for PFAS using specialized test kits available from environmental labs.

Does boiling water remove PFAS?

No, boiling water does not remove PFAS and may actually exasperate the problem. If you are worried about PFAS in your water, contact an environmental expert for advice.

Does bottled water contain PFAS?

Some bottled water brands have been found to contain PFAS in their products. A study showed that 24 out of 43 brands tested had some level of PFAS.

Do any water filters remove PFAS?

Yes, certain water filters, such as activated carbon filters and reverse osmosis systems, can reduce PFAS levels in drinking water​.

What are PFAS chemicals in water?

PFAS chemicals in water are a group of man-made substances used in various industrial and consumer products. They are known as forever chemicals as they are highly resistant to breaking down.

What are the four components of a PFAS?

There are 1000s of different types of PFAS, each of which has a different chemical structure. They usually consist of oxygen, hydrogen, sulfur, and nitrogen atoms.

What states have PFAS in water?

Many states have reported PFAS in their water supplies, including Michigan, California, North Carolina, Minnesota, and New Jersey​.

Where do PFAS in water come from?

PFAS in water come from industrial waste, firefighting foams, consumer products like Teflon, and landfill leachate.​

Which bottled water does not contain PFAS?

Some major bottled water brands claim to be free of PFAS. These include Fiji Water and Poland Spring brands.