The Pfas Water Contamination Lawsuits are a recent water contamination scandal in Pennsylvania. The toxic chemical, PFAS, was found in the hair of local residents, and the safety of drinking water was at risk. Find out more about this issue with our blog article today!
Introduction
Pfas, an abbreviation for PFAS, is a family of chemicals that have been used in manufacturing and industrial processes since the 1950’s. Recently, these carcinogenic substances have been found to be present in drinking water near military bases, as well as public and private water systems across the country. The effects of Pfas on humans are still unclear because they’ve only been studied so far under laboratory conditions.
PFAS contamination health concerns
According to the EPA, PFAS contamination can interfere with the body’s hormone system and have been linked with cancers, liver damage, and other health concerns. There is currently no safe level of PFAS exposure for people or wildlife.
The EPA has classified the chemicals as “probable human carcinogens.” The agency has also issued a health advisory urging pregnant women and children to avoid contact with water that contains high levels of PFAS chemicals.
If you are concerned about your drinking water and whether it is contaminated with PFAS chemicals, consult with an attorney. You may be able to file a lawsuit seeking damages for any health problems that you experience as a result of drinking contaminated water.
How Did Pfas Get into the Water?
The presence of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (Pfas) in drinking water has become an alarming public health concern. These chemicals, which are used in a variety of industrial processes such as foaming, degreasing, and coating, have been found to contaminate water supplies near military bases and other sites where they are discharged.
Pfas are difficult to break down and can accumulate in the environment. They have been linked to reproductive problems, cancer, and other adverse health effects in humans. Studies have also shown that they can damage the environment by disrupting the chemical balance of ecosystems.
Although it is not yet clear how widespread the contamination is, many municipalities have responded by issuing warnings about the dangers of drinking water containing Pfas. Those who have been exposed to these chemicals may be eligible for compensation if their water has been deemed unsafe.
Could My Drinking Water Be Contaminated?
If you live in a city, chances are good that your water is contaminated with some form of chemicals. In fact, according to the Environmental Working Group (EWG), more than 1 in 5 Americans rely on municipal water supplies that have been shown to violate federal health standards for lead and other contaminants. What’s more, EWG reports that over half of all U.S. water systems received a “D” or “F” rating from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) for having high levels of chemical contaminants like arsenic and trihalomethanes.
Given these statistics, it’s no wonder that many people are concerned about drinking water contamination. If you’re one of those people, here are four things to keep in mind:
1. Your drinking water could be contaminated even if it doesn’t show any signs of chemical contamination. According to the EPA, many contaminants can lurk undetected in municipal water supplies.
2. Even if your drinking water is safe to drink, it might not be safe to cookwith or bathe in. Many contaminants can also leach into water through soil and groundwater sources.
What Should I Do if I Think My Drinking Water is Contaminated?
If you have concerns that your drinking water is contaminated, here are some steps to take:
-Check with your local water authority to see if they have any information on the contamination.
-If you think the water is contaminated, do not drink it. Instead, filter or boil it before using it for drinking, cooking, or brushing your teeth.
-Contact a lawyer if you feel that you have been harmed by the water contamination. A lawyer can help you file a lawsuit if necessary.
Conclusion
After discovering that their drinking water was contaminated with the chemical PFOA, residents of West Virginia and Ohio filed lawsuits against DuPont and Chemours. Now, as a result of these lawsuits, both companies have agreed to fund research into the long-term health effects of PFOA exposure. However, it’s important to keep in mind that these settlements do not necessarily mean that your drinking water is safe. If you or someone you know has been affected by PFOA contamination, seek legal advice to determine if you have a valid case.