Per and polyfluoroalkyl substances—commonly known as PFAS chemicals—have been making headlines over recent months. Commonly found in everyday products, such as cleaning products, nonstick cookware, and personal care items, PFAS have been associated with both physical and mental health issues. Many companies have come under fire for contaminating local waterways with PFAS chemicals.
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If you believe you were affected by PFAS water contamination, you may be entitled to compensation.
What are PFAS Chemicals?
PFAS chemicals are widely used components that are used in a wide range of products found in most households. These chemicals break down very slowly in the environment, leading researchers to refer to them as “forever chemicals.” Their widespread use has resulted in PFAS being found in the blood of people and animals worldwide, as well as in a variety of food products.
Research on PFAS chemicals is ongoing, and researchers are only beginning to understand the potential negative effects that PFAS can have on the body and mind. Since PFAS chemicals are so commonly found in the environment, it can be difficult for researchers to create ethical studies that effectively study the effects of these chemicals on humans and animals.
Can PFAS Chemicals Affect Mental Health?
Many studies are finding potential links between exposure to PFAS chemicals and mental health issues. It’s important to note that studies have yet to show a causal link between PFAS and mental health issues. This means that while research has yet to prove that exposure to PFAS chemicals can cause mental health issues, it has shown that increased PFAS exposure is associated with an increased risk of certain mental health effects.
A recent literature review found that many people who discover that they’re living in areas that have been heavily contaminated with PFAS experience increased anxiety, emotional distress, and financial stress due to worrying about physical health effects. In addition to these issues, PFAS has also been associated with an increase in behavioral issues in children, as well as an increase in ADHD symptoms.
PFAS Exposure and ADHD in Children
A 2023 study explored the link between PFAS exposure and ADHD symptoms in children. 521 study participants had the level of PFAS in their blood measured at age two and age 4. The participants were then rated on ADHD-associated behaviors at age 8.
The study found that higher PFAS levels in the blood at age two were correlated with a higher likelihood of ADHD-associated behaviors at age 8. There was no correlation found between PFAS levels at age 4 and later ADHD-related behaviors, suggesting that earlier exposure to PFAS has a more significant effect on behavior than exposure to the chemicals later in life.
If you live in an area where the water supply has been contaminated with PFAS and you have young children, it may be important for you to keep an eye out for symptoms related to ADHD. Your child may benefit from medication or therapy to help them cope with symptoms and live a happier, more productive life.
Common symptoms of ADHD in school-age children include:
- Excessive daydreaming
- Careless mistakes on schoolwork or while performing chores at home
- Difficulty getting along with peers, teachers, and family members
- Difficulty taking turns when playing with peers
- Taking unnecessary risks
- Struggling to resist temptation despite understanding the rules
- Excessive talking, squirming, or fidgeting
- Persistent forgetfulness
There are three different categories of ADHD:
- Predominantly inattentive presentation: Often diagnosed in school-age girls, predominantly inattentive ADHD can go unnoticed for years. Often, children with this type of ADHD are seen as day dreamers who have trouble paying attention, or they may be judged as having a lower intelligence level than other students, when in reality, they’re simply struggling with ADHD symptoms.
- Predominantly hyperactive-impulsive presentation: Often diagnosed in school-age boys, predominantly hyperactive-impulsive ADHD is characterized by noticeable, obvious symptoms, including calling out during class, excessive risk-taking, constant talking, and trouble sitting still.
- Combined presentation: Children who fall into the combined presentation category show both inattentive and hyperactive-impulsive symptoms of ADHD.
It’s important to note that these symptoms may change over time, and your child may need ongoing therapy or medical attention to ensure that they’re able to cope with their ADHD symptoms in an effective and productive way. Your child’s therapist and/or primary care doctor will work with you and your child to develop strategies that can help them stay focused and safe.
If You’ve Been Exposed to PFAS Chemicals and are Experiencing Symptoms, You May be Eligible for Compensation.
Research on the harmful health effects of PFAS chemicals is ongoing. In addition to potentially harmful mental health effects, PFAS exposure has also been associated with reproductive cancers, kidney cancer, immune system effects, cardiovascular problems, endocrine system issues. If you or a loved one have experienced health issues after PFAS exposure, you may be entitled to compensation. Our team of legal advocates is here to help. Reach out to us today for a free case evaluation.
