According to an online news report on NewScientist.com, the U.S. military is conducting tests of a new system that destroys toxic PFAS using superheated water. The system is supposed to break down “forever chemicals” using both high-pressure and extreme heat. These tests will occur at two U.S. Air Force bases and one Navy base. These tests will be conducted in contaminated groundwater on the military base as part of a more comprehensive search for new technologies that can break down these Perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) chemicals.
What Are Perfluoroalkyl and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS) ?
Perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are a class of man-made chemicals used in a variety of industrial and consumer products since the 1950s. These chemicals are highly persistent in the environment and do not break down easily, earning them the nickname “forever chemicals.” PFAS can amass in the environment and in living organisms, including humans, and has been detected in air, water, soil, and food.
PFAS have been used in a wide range of products, including non-stick cookware, stain-resistant fabrics, water-repellent clothing, firefighting foam, food packaging, and many other applications. There are over 4,000 different PFAS chemicals, and some of the most well-known and studied ones include perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) and perfluorooctanesulfonic acid (PFOS).
Exposure to PFAS can cause a range of adverse health effects, including developmental delays in fetuses and children, decreased fertility, increased risk of certain cancers, and immune system dysfunction. As a result, many countries have taken steps to restrict the use of PFAS in certain products and reduce exposure to these chemicals in the environment.
Which Products Can Contain Perfluoroalkyl and Polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS)?
Perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) have been used in several industrial and consumer products since the 1950s. Some of the most common products that may contain PFAS include:
- Non-stick cookware: PFAS have been used in the manufacturing of non-stick cookware, such as Teflon.
- Stain-resistant fabrics: PFAS has been used to make fabrics and carpets water-resistant and stain-resistant.
- Waterproof clothing: PFAS are commonly used in outdoor gear, such as raincoats and hiking boots.
- Food packaging: PFAS are used in some food packaging materials, such as fast food wrappers and microwave popcorn bags.
- Firefighting foam: PFAS have been used in firefighting foam due to their ability to create a water-repellent barrier.
- Cleaning products: Some cleaning products, such as certain types of carpet and upholstery cleaners, may contain PFAS.
- Personal care products: PFAS can be found in some personal care products, such as dental floss and makeup.
It’s important to understand that while some of these products may contain PFAS, not all products in these categories necessarily do, and some manufacturers have started to phase out the use of PFAS in their products. To reduce your exposure to PFAS, avoid products that are known to contain PFAS and choose alternatives that do not contain PFAS.
What Diseases Do Perfluoroalkyl and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS) Cause?
Perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) have been linked to a range of adverse health effects in humans, including:
- Developmental delays in fetuses and children: Exposure to PFAS during pregnancy has been associated with lower birth weight, smaller head circumference, and other developmental delays in children.
- Decreased fertility: Exposure to PFAS has been linked to decreased fertility in both men and women.
- Increased risk of certain cancers: Some studies have found an association between PFAS exposure and increased risk of certain types of cancer, including kidney and testicular cancer.
- Immune system dysfunction: PFAS have been shown to disrupt immune system function, making individuals more susceptible to infectious diseases.
- Liver damage: Exposure to PFAS has been associated with liver damage and elevated liver enzymes.
- Thyroid disease: Some studies have found an association between PFAS exposure and thyroid disease, including changes in thyroid hormone levels.
It’s important to note that while these health effects have been observed in studies, not everyone who is exposed to PFAS will experience these outcomes. Additionally, more research is needed to understand the long-term health effects of exposure to PFAS fully. However, given the potential risks associated with PFAS, many countries have taken steps to limit exposure to these chemicals.
CONTACT PARKER WAICHMAN LLP FOR A FREE CASE REVIEW
If you or a loved one have been exposed to Perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances and have suffered adverse health effects, it’s important to seek legal assistance to protect your rights and explore your options for compensation. At Parker Waichman LLP, we have a team of experienced attorneys who can help you navigate the legal process and fight for the compensation you deserve.
Please do not delay, contact us today at 1-800-YOUR-LAWYER (1-800-968-7529) to schedule a free, no-obligation consultation and learn more about your legal options. Our team is dedicated to helping victims of PFAS exposure, and we’re here to help you get the justice and compensation you deserve.
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