What are PFAS Forever Chemicals, and Why are They Dangerous?

Nearly half of drinking water sources across the country are contaminated with toxic chemicals known as PFAS — or perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances — according to new research by the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS). While the extent of contamination is enormous, researchers found that a majority of Americans are unaware of PFAS and the serious health concerns these chemicals have caused.

The extent of the drinking water contamination is a reflection of the serious public health challenge created by decades of use and improper disposal of these chemicals by manufacturers. PFAS are widely found in products such as clothing, furniture, adhesives, food packaging and wrappers, heat-resistant non-stick surfaces, electrical wire insulation, and fire-extinguishing foam and are a growing concern to our natural resources and human health.

What Are PFAS?

Perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances refer to a group of synthetic chemicals used to make fluoropolymer coatings and products that resist heat, oil, stains, grease, and water. PFAS are called “forever chemicals” because their bonds between carbon and fluorine molecules — one of the strongest chemical bonds possible — make their breakdown and removal very difficult.

Why are PFAS Dangerous?

PFAS exposure has been linked to liver, testicular and kidney cancers, as well as low birth weight, accelerated puberty, decreased response to vaccines in children, and metabolic and immune disorders.

What are Chemical Exposure Symptoms?

As these chemicals build up in the body, a range of symptoms can occur:

  • Higher cholesterol levels
  • Developmental effects or delays in children
  • Damage to the immune system
  • Thyroid problems
  • Hormone interference
  • Bone variations
  • Behavioral changes
  • Higher blood pressure during pregnancy (pre-eclampsia)
  • Changes in liver enzymes
  • Headaches, rashes, allergies, nausea and dizziness
  • Neurological problems
  • Difficulty swallowing and breathing
  • Concentration and memory problems

PFAs Contamination in the Environment

A July 2023 study by the USGS found that at least 45% of the nation’s tap water sources that were tested contain one or more types of PFAS chemicals. A companion study by the Environmental Working Group (EWG) analyzed Department of Defense testing data. That study of 2,805 wells across 29 states found that drinking water was contaminated with at least one of two types of PFAS at above 4 parts per trillion, a limit that went into effect at the end of 2023.

EWG researchers tested 76 locations in 29 states and found that all were contaminated with at least one of two types of PFAS. Nearly a third of the contaminated wells are in Texas. Researchers also recorded clusters of tainted wells in urban and rural areas from Riverside County and Sacramento in California to Rapid City, South Dakota, and Helena, Montana.

“USGS scientists tested water collected directly from people’s kitchen sinks across the nation, providing the most comprehensive study to date on PFAS in tap water from both private wells and public wells,” said USGS research hydrologist Kelly Smalling, the study’s lead author.

Who Is Responsible for Monitoring Drinking Water?

Federal law requires public water systems to be monitored regularly for pollutants. The Environmental Protection Agency is responsible for monitoring that water. Private well water, however, must be monitored by homeowners, who must maintain, test, and treat their water supplies as needed. Testing is the only way to confirm the presence of these contaminants.

Corporations that make these chemicals and those that use the substances in products have long known about the health risks associated with PFAS. Thousands of lawsuits consolidated in multidistrict litigation have been filed on behalf of public entities seeking to recover damages caused by water contamination, as well as individuals and firefighters who have been harmed by exposure to these chemicals. The lawsuits seek to hold manufacturers responsible for contaminating water supplies and harming public health.

How We Help Victims of Toxic Exposure

The attorneys of our birth defects victims’ alliance understand the pain that families face when coping with life-altering birth defects—and the frustration of knowing they could have been prevented. Our team has over 40 years of combined experience in birth defects litigation in cases involving semiconductor and electronics manufacturing, pesticides, and energy production. We have the resources and experience to fight on behalf of our clients against corporations that put them in danger. Contact us to see how we can help you and your family receive justice for birth defects.