What Are PFAS and Phthalates? Are They Dangerous?

Forever Chemicals

Industrial chemicals have become so prevalent in modern life that virtually everyone carries traces of them in their bodies. Two groups of chemicals causing particular concern among health experts are PFAS and phthalates, both classified as “forever chemicals” or “everywhere chemicals” due to their persistence in the environment and widespread presence in everyday products. Understanding what are PFAS and phthalates, recognizing their health dangers, and knowing your legal rights if you’ve been harmed has never been more important, especially for pregnant women and families planning to have children.

What Are PFAS?

PFAS, or per- and poly-fluoroalkyl substances, are a family of thousands of synthetic chemicals that have been manufactured and used in various industries since the 1940s. These chemicals are prized for their ability to resist heat, water, and oil, making them ideal for countless consumer and industrial applications. When people ask, “What are PFAS?” the answer reveals chemicals found in non-stick cookware, food packaging, water-resistant clothing, stain-resistant fabrics and carpets, firefighting foam, and numerous other products.

What makes PFAS particularly concerning is their extraordinary persistence. These chemicals don’t break down naturally in the environment or in the human body, earning them the nickname “forever chemicals.” PFAS accumulate over time in soil, water supplies, and living organisms, including humans. Studies show that PFAS are present in the blood of nearly all Americans, demonstrating how universal exposure has become through contaminated drinking water, food, air, and consumer products.

Are PFAS Dangerous?

The health dangers associated with PFAS exposure are significant and well-documented through decades of scientific research. These chemicals function as endocrine disruptors, meaning they interfere with the body’s hormonal systems, which can lead to serious health consequences throughout a person’s lifetime.

PFAS are particularly dangerous during pregnancy and fetal development. Exposure to these chemicals has been linked to devastating birth defects and developmental problems. Research shows that pregnant women exposed to PFAS face increased risks of giving birth prematurely, delivering low birth weight babies, and experiencing pregnancy complications. The developing fetus is especially vulnerable because PFAS can cross the placental barrier and interfere with critical stages of organ formation and growth.

Studies have connected PFAS exposure to reproductive issues, particularly in male children. Boys whose mothers were exposed to high levels of PFAS during pregnancy may experience genital malformations, reduced fertility later in life, and disrupted sexual development. Beyond reproductive harm, PFAS exposure has been associated with increased risks of certain cancers, thyroid disease, immune system suppression, liver damage, and developmental delays in children including ADHD and behavioral problems.

Understanding what phthalates are and how they increase risks of birth defects provides crucial context, as phthalates work similarly to PFAS as endocrine disruptors. Both chemical families pose serious threats to maternal and fetal health. Unfortunately, CDC cuts jeopardize research into risks from PFAS exposure, making public awareness even more critical.

Why Are People Filing PFAS Lawsuits?

PFAS lawsuits have emerged as individuals and communities seek accountability from the corporations that manufactured, used, and released these dangerous chemicals despite knowing, or having reason to know, about their serious health risks. People are filing PFAS lawsuits for several compelling legal reasons.

Many plaintiffs allege that chemical manufacturers deliberately concealed evidence of PFAS dangers for decades while continuing to profit from products containing these harmful substances. Internal company documents have revealed that some manufacturers understood the health risks associated with PFAS long before informing the public or regulatory agencies. This pattern of concealment forms the basis for many legal claims.

Individuals who developed serious health conditions after PFAS exposure, including cancer, thyroid disorders, and reproductive problems, are pursuing compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and reduced quality of life. Parents whose children were born with birth defects linked to PFAS exposure during pregnancy are also filing claims on behalf of their children for lifelong medical care and support needs.

Communities affected by PFAS contamination in their water supplies are filing lawsuits against manufacturers and companies that discharged PFAS into the environment, seeking funds for water treatment systems and medical monitoring programs for exposed residents.