PFAS Law Suits Set to Drop

PFAS Law Suits Set to Drop 

The New York Times (5/24/24)reported recently that plastic and chemical industries can expect a string of lawsuits that could rival or even surpass the tobacco company settlements. 

Corporations have been producing and using PFAS (aka forever chemicals) for decades, fully aware of the toxic nature of PFAS (known carcinogen). A defense lawyer, according to the Times, warned that the lawsuits will be "astronomical".   

PFAS are chemicals used for a variety of purposes including teflon non-stick pans, rain proof clothing, etc. However, they never decompose and are highly toxic in nature. They are now everywhere: drinking water, food, Antarctic snow and in the blood of every American. We have been drinking PFAS chemicals for years. 

 The US Environmental Protection Agency began to address this last year and is now requiring corporations and municipalities to remove PFAS from our drinking water sources. Many environmental activists have been warning the public and advocating for action on PFAS for years. To no avail. 

The tide may finally be turning. PFAS are used in the plastic production process. Every time you purchase food that is encased in plastic, it is likely to have PFAS chemicals that can leach into the food and then into your body. Manufacturers have known since at least 1961 that PFAS have detrimental impacts on humans. The graphic below shows commonly used materials that contain PFAS.

It is well past time to discontinue the production and use of PFAS chemicals. The chemical and plastics industry is sure to fight any regulation, but the writing seems to be on the wall that they will pay for violating the trust of Americans.

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