Lawsuit for Perfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS) Government Remediation

Perfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), also known as PFAS, have seeped into various industries, manufacturing processes, and even household products. These harmful substances have been identified as carcinogens. If you or your loved ones have been exposed to PFAS due to negligence by government entities and pollution, you may have valid grounds to file a lawsuit.

At Youngstown Criminal Law Group, we specialize in representing clients seeking legal redress against government entities for PFAS exposure and the grave consequences it brings. Our experienced Steubenville OH criminal lawyer will stand by your side throughout the entire legal process.

The widespread use of PFAS in industrial and manufacturing sectors has resulted in its pervasiveness in public and private water supplies across the nation. Remediation has become an urgent need, but it is an extensive and costly process that should be shouldered by the government.

The Use of PFAS

Companies like DuPont and 3M heavily rely on the sales of PFAS, generating billions of dollars in revenue each year. PFAS is a vital ingredient in stain repellants and plays a crucial role in creating industrial water. Moreover, there is a thriving secondary market where PFAS is utilized in lubricants, paints, coatings, and polishes, contributing to millions of dollars in sales annually.

PFAS is remarkably entrenched in the following manufacturing processes:

• Flame retardants
• Fire extinguisher foams
• Pesticides
• Inks
• Hydraulic fluids for the automotive and aerospace industries
• Components used in copiers and color printers
• Medical devices
• Metal or chrome coatings
• Non-stick cookware
• Food packaging

Consequences on Health

The devastating effects of PFAS on both humans and wildlife cannot be ignored. Classified as a notable carcinogen, PFAS exposure has been linked to severe health issues. Testicle and kidney cancer are just some of the dangers that come with exposure to PFAS. But that’s not all. Other health problems associated with PFAS include:

• High cholesterol levels
• Dangerous pregnancy complications like pre-eclampsia or toxemia
• Thyroid dysfunction
• Infertility
• Autoimmune diseases
• Mental impairment
• Developmental disabilities
• Blood disorders
• Ulcerative colitis

How PFAS Can Enter Water Supply? 

It primarily stems from the discharge of industrial waste, which eventually seeps into rivers, streams, and the soil. Even during rainfall, PFAS infiltrates underground aquifers, where its non-biodegradable nature ensures its persistence in the environment indefinitely.

Commonly used as a fire suppressant foam, industrial lubricant, and hydraulic acid, PFAS contamination is most prevalent in areas near industrial sites, fire training facilities, and military bases. One striking example is a former US Air Force Base in Michigan, where water supply contamination has affected millions of Americans. The extent of this issue was highlighted in an August 2018 Environmental Research journal, which estimated that six million Americans are exposed to PFAS-contaminated water.

Removing PFAS from water supply systems comes with a hefty price tag, exceeding $1 million annually, which places a significant burden on communities. At Youngstown Criminal Law Group, we take legal action against government entities to ensure access to uncontaminated water. Connect with our esteemed Steubenville OH OVI lawyer today for assistance.