Forever Chemicals
"Forever chemicals," known scientifically as per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), are durable man-made chemicals used in a variety of consumer and industrial products. These chemicals, notable for their ability to resist heat, water, and oil, are found in non-stick cookware, water-repellent clothing, stain-resistant fabrics, and some cosmetics. PFAS are called "forever chemicals" due to their persistence in the environment and the human body, where they do not break down and can accumulate over time. The health implications of PFAS exposure include hormone disruption, immune system effects, elevated cholesterol, and an increased risk of certain cancers. Their widespread presence in the environment, detectable even in human and animal blood, has raised significant global health and environmental concerns. In a similar context, lead, a naturally occurring heavy metal, poses serious health risks. Historically used in paint, gasoline, and plumbing, lead exposure can cause developmental delays in children and cardiovascular issues in adults. Despite reduced use and regulatory bans, lead remains a concern in older infrastructures and polluted areas. Both PFAS and lead exemplify the challenges in managing substances that persist in the environment and bioaccumulate. Their presence underscores the need for stringent regulations and proactive measures to mitigate long-term health and ecological impacts.
Articles
Recent data from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has revealed alarming levels of contamination in drinking water consumed by millions across the U.S. Dubbed “forever chemicals” due to their enduring nature, these contaminants have raised serious concerns among the public and professionals alike.  Key Points:  Water systems serving millions, from small towns to major cities,...
EPA Aims to Fortify Lead Protections in US Drinking Water  As the United States faces renewed scrutiny over lead contamination in its drinking water systems, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is poised to strengthen its protective regulations, prompting significant legal implications for public health and safety. The story of lead regulation has been fraught with...
Understanding the $63 Million Verdict in Chevron’s Toxic Pit Cover-Up Case The case against Chevron, culminating in a $63 million verdict, underscores the legal ramifications of corporate responsibility and the rigorous standards expected in environmental disclosure practices. The lawsuit brought by Kevin Wright, who developed multiple myeloma after unknowingly building his home above a carcinogenic...
The environmental and health implications of per fluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) have made headlines in recent years, but now the legal focus is sharpening as companies like 3M Co. and DuPont de Nemours face a formidable legal challenge. With Joe Rice, a veteran lawyer of mass torts, joining the fight, the legal landscape is...
Residents in Buffalo, Iowa have found themselves in a whirlwind of health concerns and confusion as alarming levels of PFAS chemicals—often termed “forever chemicals”—were detected in the city’s main water well. As a legal professional with a focus on advocating for the rights of injured parties, it’s essential to shed light on the situation and...
The Ongoing Legal Struggle Over Camp Lejeune’s Water Contamination The Camp Lejeune water contamination issue is a significant chapter in the annals of mass torts and lawsuits. Claimants, primarily veterans and their families who suffered due to this contamination, have sought justice for years, leading to a staggering number of lawsuits. Recently, conflicting proposals were...
The landscape of litigation surrounding perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances, commonly known as PFAS, has begun to shape the futures of many corporations. As legal battles escalate, the potential bankruptcy risks faced by these companies cannot be ignored.   5 Key Points:  PFAS litigation has the potential to drive many companies into bankruptcy.  “Forever chemicals” are found...
Delaware Takes on Corporations Over PFAS Contamination in Landmark Lawsuit  The state of Delaware, through its Attorney General Kathy Jennings, has initiated a lawsuit against 14 companies over the use of PFAS in firefighting foam, this signals increased legal scrutiny over environmental and health safety practices.  Key Points:  Delaware’s lawsuit against 3M and other corporations...
In recent legal developments, a federal appeals court is preparing to assess one of the most extensive class actions in history. This legal action, driven by the controversial PFAS (Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances), could impact similar lawsuits across the nation, leaving millions of Ohio residents awaiting the verdict.  Key Points:  The 3M Co. and others...
Recent discoveries shed light on the contamination levels surrounding the North Carolina Chemours plant. At least 11 new types of PFAS “forever chemicals” have been found in the vicinity, suggesting a greater environmental impact than previously believed.  Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are often dubbed “forever chemicals.” Why? Most of these compounds do not degrade...
  In recent years, the world has witnessed a shift towards more eco-conscious choices, with a particular focus on reducing plastic waste. One prominent example of this shift is the widespread adoption of paper and plant-based straws, replacing their plastic counterparts in an attempt to protect the environment. These eco-friendly alternatives have been hailed as...
Update: August 2023 The Aqueous Film Forming Foam (AFFF) lawsuit, a sweeping legal battle unfolding across the nation, is shedding light on the far-reaching impacts of per- and poly-fluoroalkyl substances (PFAS). These harmful chemicals, found in AFFF, have prompted plaintiffs to assert claims of health issues and environmental harm due to their exposure. Defendants, primarily...
Recent findings have revealed the widespread presence of PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances) chemicals in the blood of pregnant women, eliciting considerable health concerns for both mothers and their unborn children. These findings add to the mounting evidence indicating the detrimental health effects of chemicals to which we are continuously exposed. This article delves into...
Biden-Harris Administration’s PFAS Action Plan for 2023 The Biden-Harris Administration has taken a monumental leap forward in environmental and public health protection with an ambitious plan to combat per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) pollution. These chemical compounds, notorious for their persistence in the environment and potential health risks, have become a central focus in the...
In a quiet corner of Memphis, Eddie Peterson, a 76-year-old former assistant district attorney, fights a relentless battle against Parkinson’s disease. A man who once commanded the courtroom, Peterson now struggles to convey his thoughts due to slurred speech and stuttering. His story, though deeply personal, is just one chapter in a larger narrative of...