Contamination from man-made chemicals is a big problem, particularly those which have been called “forever chemicals.” Although our PFAS Lawyers in KY know that most of us are aware of PFOS, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has recently announced, as part of new national drinking water standards that PFAS are now considered one of these “forever chemicals” and will be regulated. Also known as per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, recent studies on PFAS have shown that these formerly unregulated chemicals have the potential to leech into the groundwater supply when not properly treated and pollute the environment. The concern of widespread pollution and water contamination is linked to ongoing medical research that shows PFAS pose a major threat to human health from even exposure to low levels of the chemicals.
Indeed, the Social Science Health and Environmental Health Research Institute and Environmental Working Group and track PFAS contamination as publicized by federal and state agencies. Based on research studies, their tracking demonstrates that there is PFAS contamination in public drinking water systems serving 19 million people in 49 states. Across Kentucky, there are numerous testing sites that have detected PFAS above the safety limit as defined by the EPA as well as several military sites that could be a source of PFAS pollution. Approximately 110 million U.S. citizens could be using drinking water contaminated by PFAS, based on a compilation of federal data. This is a huge problem to the health and safety of Americans, although it is an issue that is worldwide too.
Unfortunately, many manufacturers resist changing their formulas to protect customers. Others outright refuse to properly handle this waste products. Whereas some municipalities lag behind in protecting their population from contaminates. These inactions and delays expose innocent people to serious personal injuries and harm, as even minor exposures to PFAS can slowly build up in the bloodstream and cause chronic, dangerous, and debilitating conditions. That why if you or a loved one were exposed to PFAS or are in a contaminated area, you may be entitled to compensation with the help of an experienced PFAS lawyer at Maze Law Offices.
In Kentucky, there are many serious and dangerous areas of heavy PFAS contamination. For instance, interactive maps highlight the following major areas in Kentucky as being heavily afflicted with PFAS to include the following:
In addition to these locations, there are many other locations throughout Kentucky and the United States that have PFAS contamination sites. The number of locations and the extent of the contaminations are troubling. Fortunately, there is an interactive map which depicts certain important criteria for people to review and assess. This includes:
You can access the interactive map here. In viewing the map, you are able to zoom into a geographic area and click on towns, cities, and other municipal locations that are marked. When you click the mark on the map, you’ll receive a pop-up window with further information. It includes testing history, results, key findings, the exact location (sometimes an address or a business), and even more specific locations like whether it was surface or ground water. By using this information, you can evaluate the area around you and your family, as well as learn more about what contaminations you may be facing. This can help you make decisions related to real estate purchases, water filtration systems, and other matters to help keep you and your family safe.
PFAS, known as Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS), are a group of man-made chemicals. These chemicals started being used in the mid-20th century to make fluoropolymer coatings and products that resist heat, oil, stains, grease, and water. PFAS were developed for use in many different types of goods such as waterproof clothing, furniture, adhesives, food packaging, heat-resistant non-stick cooking surfaces, and the insulation of electrical wire.
Companies such as DuPont, 3M, and W. L. Gore & Associates used PFAS in well-known materials like Teflon and Gore-Tex. In fact, there is some evidence that these companies, at least 3M, knew about the toxicity of PFAS and PFOS for decades – even manipulating and suppressing the opinions and beliefs of their scientists – to hide the risks of these dangerous and deadly chemicals in their products, the environment, and during their manufacturing processes. PFAS are also used in firefighting foams which are also commonly found at airports and military bases in order to extinguish petroleum-based fires.
What makes these chemicals so effective and useful for their water and grease resistance capabilities, is also the property that makes them harmful to human health. They are known as “forever” chemicals in that they linger and fail to breakdown in the environment and then can be absorbed into plant life or a drinking water supply which is how they end up in human bodies. That’s because PFAS are both hydrophobic and oleophobic, making many PFAS effective surfactants or surface protectors for manufacturing or in certain products. Similarly, the surfaces of fluorinated polymers have about half the surface tension compared to hydrocarbon surfaces. Although these are important for certain manufacturing and products, they can pose significant risks in our environment and in our community, especially when they get into our water.
Individual PFAS can chemically be very different. However, all PFAS have a carbon-fluorine bond, which is a very strong bond and makes these substances very resistant to biodegrading. Perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS) is one type of PFAS.
In the 1940s, this fluorinated organic compound was initially developed for industrial purposes, but has since been phased out of production and circulation in the United States and most western countries due to fears over the detrimental impacts from high accumulations in the environment. PFOS is just one type of thousands of PFAS chemicals, however PFOS has been more studied than almost all other compounds in the family.
The definition of what constitutes a PFAS or PFOS is rapidly changing, with Minnesota recently reclassifying several substances as having traits of PFAS in one of the largest and broadest definitions of “forever chemicals.” Although this definition has garnered some opposition, since it also classifies drugs like Lipitor and Prozac as PFAS, it has also encompassed many herbicides and pesticides, such as ProcellaCor EC and SE, which were not previously classified as PFAS and have been compared to the modern DDT.
Aqueous Film Forming Foam, otherwise known as AFFF, or firefighting foam contains between 50% and 98% PFAS. This type of exposure to civilian and military fire fighters can take several years to over a decade for certain injuries, diseases, and cancers to reveal themselves. Importantly, if you were exposed to AFFF firefighting foam and are later diagnosed with a cancer or another serious medical condition, you may still be able to seek compensation, even if your exposure was many years in the past. However, it is critical to contact an attorney immediately after your diagnosis to determine what actions and remedies may be available.
PFAS have been tested for in a variety of aquatic and environmental fate studies, including everything from rain and snow, to also bodies of water like ponds, lakes, rivers, and streams, to even groundwater and tap water. Unfortunately, PFOS and PFOA typically being the most common compounds when researches have sought it. More disturbing, PFAS can be freely mobile in water, soil, and air, and can be extremely resistant to breaking down without becoming further more destructive metabolites (chemicals that a main chemical compound breaks down into).
It can be difficult to detect PFAS in various mediums such as water, soil, or the atmosphere, and the associated unknown risks with each medium is different because of the way it is ingested or absorbed into the body. Typical concentrations of PFASs in water are very low in most locations, except highly contaminated sites. However, higher concentrations have been observed in surface and groundwater after firefighting activities and near to fluorochemical manufacturing facilities or training centers, as well as in military bases.
Research is ongoing to understand the mechanisms of PFAS toxicity. Although there is enough evidence about the negative impacts of PFAS on human and animal health, the scale of the risk imposed by PFAS compounds is not fully understood. Most of what is known about PFOA-mediated health effects was generated from epidemiological studies on work-place exposed individuals with increased levels of PFOA present in their blood and individuals exposed to high environmental concentrations of PFOA. The epidemiological evidence suggests associations between increases in exposure to PFAS that have been studied more and certain health effects.
The fact that PFOA does not biodegrade easily in people has stimulated a focused interest in understanding the potential associated human health effects. When people consistently utilize products that expose them to PFAS, they can be at risk of a progressive accumulation of PFAS inside the body overtime. No matter the manner in which someone is exposed to PFAS, such as from food or drinking water, it can eventually lead to the following negative health effects.
Studies have shown that PFAS can:
A National Toxicology Program review found that exposure to PFOA and PFOS are immune hazards to humans based on a high level of evidence that PFOA and PFOS suppressed the antibody response from animals and a moderate level of evidence from studies in humans.
It is estimated that on average, people consume PFAS in concentrations from 0.17 to 0.21 ng/kg bodyweight/day for PFOS and PFOA on a daily basis, respectively, where relatively persistent levels of PFAS exposure increases with the increased drinking water contamination events.
Studies have further shown that short chain PFAS were dominant in samples collected from tap water with a maximum level of 42.7 ng/L followed by mineral water and spring water. A notable aspect of PFAS contamination levels in drinking water is the difference in PFAS level in both treated and source water. Another study has indicated that PFAS concentration was higher in treated water compared with the source water which could be contributed to the potential contamination that may happen with treated water moving through various piping apparatuses and the treatment plant facilities. Moreover, studies have demonstrated that various and inconsistent pattern of PFAS compounds were detected in testing from time to time, although PFOA and PFOS are generally found to be the highest concentrations from testing.
According to the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR), while there is some evidence that PFAS can slightly be absorbed through skin, the rate of absorption is negligible and not of high concern. Studies have shown that only small amounts of PFAS chemicals are absorbed through showering and bathing and that this does not significantly increase PFAS levels in the human body, which is also the case for washing dishes in water with higher PFAS concentrations. Nevertheless, one study has shown that under certain conditions the skin may be a significant route of exposure although there is an overall lack of data regarding the toxicity and/or immunogenicity of exposure through the skin. Ingestion of any contaminated water or food is the main mode in which PFAS enters the body, such as consuming fish from contaminated bodies of water.
The impact of PFAS is significant on everyone, from humans to pets to livestock and to wildlife. Indeed, no one is spared from the harmful and toxic results of PFAS. However, some of the effects of PFAS are more significant on different people, particularly those who are young, elderly, with compromised immune systems, and who may have other significant health concerns. Whenever you or a loved one has been exposed to PFAS, it is crucial to speak with an experienced PFAS lawyer at Maze Law Offices to learn more about your rights to compensation.
Young children may be more prone to PFAS exposure because they often chew on fabrics and toys which may contain these chemicals and often put their hands into their mouths. Unfortunately, even products that are touted as chew toys can contain PFAS. The same is true of certain cups, bottles, bowls, and other eating containers, utensils, or objects. The risk is significant.
In addition, children can also be exposed by drinking formula mixed with PFAS-contaminated water, and drinking breastmilk from persons exposed to PFAS, because PFAS has been detected in human breast milk. Doctors can assist patients in deciding whether to breastfeed based on factors specific to the patient and the child. Due to the many benefits of breastfeeding, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and American Academy of Pediatrics still recommend that most nursing people continue to breastfeed.
Women are similarly at higher risk for adverse health effects and possible cancer diagnosis dues to PFAS exposure. A recent study from the University of Michigan showed that women with higher exposure to PFDE, a long-chained PFAS compound, had double the odds of a previous melanoma diagnosis and women with higher exposure to two other long-chained PFAS compounds, PFNA and PFUA, had nearly double the odds of a prior melanoma diagnosis.
Additionally, researchers also found a link between PFNA and a prior diagnosis of uterine cancer. The study also revealed that women with higher exposure to phenols, such as BPA (used in plastics) and 2,5-dichlorophenol (a chemical used in dyes and also found as a by-product in wastewater treatment), had higher odds of prior ovarian cancer diagnoses.
People whose work involves the making or processing of PFAS and PFAS-containing materials are more likely to be exposed than the general population. Workers may be exposed by touching or swallowing PFAS or PFAS-containing materials or by breathing in associated dust, aerosols, or fumes. As PFAS became popular in many other applications and products, contamination with PFAS also happened in manufacturing plants and other industrial facilities. These facilities could have exposed surrounding communities and workers to detrimental concentrations of PFAS.
According to the EPA, some of the major sources of PFAS, are PFAS manufacturing and processing facilities, airports, and military installations that use firefighting foam containing PFAS. This has become one of the most emerging areas of law relating to PFAS, as firefighting foam has been linked to a whole host of cancers – largely due to their PFAS and caustic toxicity.
According to the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC), PFOA and several related PFAS chemicals have been classified as “carcinogenic to humans” based on enough evidence that it can cause cancer in lab animals and strong evidence that it has some of the key properties of a carcinogen in people who are exposed to it. There is some evidence that PFAS can cause kidney and testicular cancer in people.
A separate recent study by the National Toxicology Program (NTP), that included rats with both prenatal and postnatal exposure to PFOA, found PFOA exposure to be associated with development of liver and pancreatic tumors in male rats and with increased pancreatic tumors in female rats. This study also showed that there was clear evidence of carcinogenicity in male rats and some evidence of carcinogenicity in female rats. However, in some cases, the method by which PFOA is understood to cause tumors in rats may not be as relevant in humans. Rainbow Trout studies have found evidence that PFOA was a factor in the development of liver tumors.
Whereas PFOS and related PFAS chemicals have been has classified as “possibly carcinogenic to humans” based strong evidence that it has some key properties of a carcinogen in people who are exposed to it, and on limited evidence that it can cause certain different types of cancers in certain lab animals. Specifically, many studies have been conducted with rodent test groups, where when exposed to PFOA, there has been the development of testicular and thyroid tumors.
Based on the available scientific data, the evidence shows that kidney cancer and testicular cancer are strongly linked to PFAS exposure. There is also some evidence that PFAs can be linked to breast cancer. Growing concerns from exposure to PFAS have specifically included elevated risks of cancers of the testicles and kidneys. Indeed, there is significant medical research demonstrating this causal link between PFAS, including more specifically PFOS and PFOAS. Therefore, any exposure to PFAS plus a cancer diagnosis, especially of testicular or kidney cancer, should be evaluated by an experienced PFAS lawyer.
A review by the NCBI reviewing numerous toxicological and epidemiologic studies, showed that exposure to PFAS can negatively affect kidney health. Based on animal studies, PFAS is known to cause liver problems and tumors. A study also revealed a link between kidney cancer deaths and PFOA in the blood of chemical plant workers. There is other leading research indicating that many other types of “forever chemicals” have greatly increased the risk of kidney cancer from PFAS. Anyone diagnosed with this condition should speak with a PFAS, even if they are unsure where their exposure may have come from.
There is significant and overwhelming evidence connecting testicular cancers and PFAS. A study examining cancers in adults living near a chemical plant concluded that PFOA concentrations in blood showed an association with testicular cancer. There have been studies conducted to investigate the correlation between blood levels of PFAS among active-duty Air Force servicemen and testicular cancer.
Relating to firefighters and firefighting foams, researchers have discovered that firefighters using certain products like the foam have had elevated levels of certain PFAS in their bloodstream. These elevated levels of PFAS, including PFOS, were associated with higher risk of developing testicular cancer.
Research indicates that PFAS can interfere with liver function, promoting inflammation and cellular changes that increase cancer risk. Long-term exposure has been linked to hepatocellular carcinoma, the most common type of liver cancer. It originates in the primary liver cells responsible for various vital functions including detoxification, protein synthesis, and production of biochemicals necessary for digestion. PFAS can cause this type of cancer due to chronic inflammation and oxidative stress (i.e., free radicals) that stress, injury, and may cause mutations in liver cells.
Although more research is necessary, there is some correlation that exposure to PFAS through firefighting foam, or Aqueous Film Forming Foam, otherwise known as AFFF, could contribute to causing breast cancer. Based on evidence from the Environmental Working Group (EWG), the growth and structure of mammary glands in young girls during puberty can be changed due to PFAS exposure, which has the potential to increase the risk of developing breast cancer. The NCBI has published a study that supplements the theory that PFAS in the blood of cancer sufferers are linked to developing breast cancers.
Indeed, research indicates that exposure to PFAS early in life can disrupt hormones and have a suppressive effect on the immune system which can further increase a person’s chances of suffering from breast cancer during their lifetime. Research into the possibility of a correlation between breast cancer and PFAS is ongoing.
Researchers at Mount Sinai have investigated a link between certain PFAS substances and an increased risk for thyroid cancer, according to a recently published study. The data demonstrated that exposure to perfluorooctanesulfonic acid (n-PFOS) led to a 56 percent increased risk of thyroid cancer diagnosis. The study also found a positive correlation between the exposure of n-PFOS and the risk of thyroid cancer, as well as a positive association with a few additional PFAS chemicals.
Other studies have suggested possible links to other cancers, including bladder, prostate, and ovarian cancer. There have been a series of animal studies to investigate the relationship between PFAS exposure and incidents of cancer, but more research is needed to thoroughly define this link.
Although not a cancer, ulcerative colitis is another common condition that can be caused by PFAS. Studies suggest that PFAS disrupt the immune system and gut microbiome, leading to inflammation of the colon and intestinal tract. This inflammation can cause symptoms like abdominal pain, bloating, diarrhea, and related symptoms. Prolonged exposure to PFAS may exacerbate the severity of ulcerative colitis and complicate its management, as well as irreparably damaging tissue in the colon. As a result, this irritation, inflammation, and damage caused by chronic PFAS exposure can result in mutations of cells which lead to certain types of cancers as well as ulcerative colitis.
One of the most complicated aspects of PFAS lawsuits is the time period in which to commence an action to seek compensation. This is known as the statute of limitations period, and it is a time limit on seeking compensation. Cases filed outside of the statute of limitations will likely result in an automatic dismissal of a case as untimely. In most states, the time limit is just one or two years from the date that the PFAS or PFOS contamination was discovered.
Maze Law Offices offers FREE consultations and FREE case evaluations for anyone seeking help after being diagnosed with a serious medical condition after they were exposed to PFAS. However, the time to call once you are diagnosed is limited. We are available to answer your questions regarding your potential claim anytime at (859) 900-9000.
PFAS Lawyer in Kentucky, Chandler Maze
If you have been exposed to PFAS and have been diagnosed with any troubling health condition, especially any type of cancer or liver, kidney, or heart condition, you may be entitled to compensation for your personal injuries. However, the time for you to commence an action is ticking, and may be forever lost if you are unable to timely start a lawsuit. Unfortunately, there are few exceptions to this rule, and many defendants, defense lawyers, and insurance adjusters will do everything in their power to deny your claims.
In order to protect your rights to compensation, contact our experienced PFAS Attorneys in Kentucky to learn more about your rights to compensation. We offer free consultations and case evaluations, and we can help you and your family learn more about your options under your state laws. To get started today, contact us today by calling on (859) 659-6727
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Lexington,KY 40508
(859) 659-6727
