Millions of families in the U.S. may have had drinking water contaminated with PFAS (per- and poly-fluoroalkyl) substances commonly known as “forever chemicals.” PFAS include perfluorooctane sulfonate (“PFOS”) and perfluorooctanoic acid (“PFOA”). These chemicals have been used for various industrial purposes for years, including use in firefighting foam products used to put out chemical fires.

Using PFAS around the country has led to widespread groundwater contamination. Exposure to PFAS in contaminated groundwater has been shown to cause cancer and other health conditions. If you have been diagnosed with cancer after being exposed to water contaminated with PFAS, you may be able to file a lawsuit and get financial compensation. This page will provide news and updates about PFAS water contamination lawsuits and our estimated settlement value of these cases.

If you have cancer and believe it was from PFAS exposure, call our PFAS lawyers today at 800-553-8082 or get a no-obligation free consultation online.

AFFF firefighting foam lawsuit

PFAS Water Contamination Lawsuit Updates for 2025

We start by keeping you abreast of the latest news, information, and updates related to PFAS water contamination lawsuits:

April 14, 2025

3M Opposes Fourth Circuit Review in PFAS Contamination Case

3M has filed a response urging the Fourth Circuit not to reconsider a panel decision that kept PFAS contamination lawsuits from Maryland and South Carolina in federal court. The states had filed separate lawsuits. One is focused on consumer product-related PFAS contamination and the other on military-grade aqueous film-forming foam (AFFF). To limit the application of the government contractor defense, 3M argues that because PFAS from both sources are chemically indistinguishable and commingled in the environment, all claims are necessarily connected to its federal work and should remain in federal court.

The panel previously sided with 3M, finding a sufficient nexus between the contamination allegations and 3M’s federal conduct to justify removal under the federal officer removal statute. The states are now seeking an en banc rehearing, asserting that their disclaimers regarding AFFF contamination should have allowed the consumer-focused cases to proceed in state court.

3M contends that the panel correctly followed precedent by crediting its theory of the case, including that a factfinder will need to resolve complex causation and allocation questions that implicate its federal defense. The company warns that allowing the states’ disclaimers to dictate jurisdiction would create a circuit split and undermine federal officer removal protections.

But this is a significant jurisdictional issue. If 3M succeeds in keeping these bifurcated cases in federal court, it will limit the states’ ability to pursue targeted claims and avoid the government contractor defense. In framing all PFAS contamination as inseparable, 3M is, as the plaintiffs motion says, “effectively trying to prevent states from holding it accountable in any court not shielded by federal defenses.”

The Fourth Circuit’s decision on whether to grant rehearing has broader implications for how PFAS litigation proceeds across jurisdictions, especially where states are deliberately structuring claims to focus on consumer-level pollution.

April 10, 2025

Judge Picks 12 Test Sites to Help Trace PFAS Contamination to Manufacturers

A group of over 50 plaintiffs from across the country has filed suit in Alabama federal court, alleging they suffered serious personal injuries due to exposure to AFFF.

The lawsuit names dozens of major chemical manufacturers—including 3M, DuPont, Chemours, and Tyco—as defendants. It claims they knowingly produced and distributed AFFF containing PFAS compounds such as PFOA and PFOS, which contaminated drinking water and caused lasting health damage. The claims include negligence, battery, nuisance, fraudulent concealment, and product liability.

The case was initially filed in Alabama state court but has since been removed to federal court under the federal officer removal statute. Tyco, one of the defendants, asserts it was manufacturing AFFF under strict specifications set by the U.S. Department of Defense and is, therefore, entitled to a government contractor defense. The plaintiffs allege their injuries resulted from exposure to both military and civilian use of PFAS-laden foam over many years, and they seek damages for pain, suffering, medical costs, and punitive relief.

April 3, 2025

Judge Picks 12 Test Sites to Help Trace PFAS Contamination to Manufacturers

The MDL judge has picked 12 sites that will serve as test cases to help figure out which companies made the toxic chemicals or firefighting foam responsible for pollution. These locations—mainly airports, fire stations, and training facilities—are spread across seven states, including Maryland, Florida, and Alaska.

The idea is to see if records from these sites can trace the PFAS contamination back to specific manufacturers of firefighting foam. These facilities were chosen because they are more likely to still have purchase records that could show who made and sold the foam. Without this link, it becomes much harder for plaintiffs to prove which companies are on the hook for the toxic exposure.

April 1, 2025

New Water Contamination Lawsuit

In a new lawsuit filed yesterday, a family from West Haven, Connecticut, joined the growing multidistrict litigation over PFAS and AFFF exposure. As you see in so many of these lawsuits, the family alleges that their child developed serious health conditions—including ulcerative colitis and liver damage—after years of exposure to toxic chemicals found in firefighting foam and contaminated drinking water.

According to the complaint, the child was diagnosed with ulcerative colitis in 2022 and later identified with elevated liver enzymes in 2023. The suit argues these injuries were caused by prolonged exposure to PFAS, including in utero exposure, as the chemicals are known to persist in the body and environment.

The family’s claims center on product liability, negligence, and failure to warn, asserting that the defendants knew of the dangers of PFAS in AFFF but continued to manufacture and distribute the products without adequate warnings. They seek both compensatory and punitive damages for the harm sustained

February 28, 2025

MDL Judge Shoots Down Government’s Motion to Dismiss

A federal judge in South Carolina has denied the U.S. government’s broad attempt to dismiss all PFAS-related lawsuits, ruling that site-specific facts must be examined before deciding jurisdiction. The decision means that cases against the military for PFAS contamination—including those brought by local communities, businesses, and state governments—will continue.

Judge Richard M. Gergel rejected the government’s effort to shield itself under the Federal Tort Claims Act (FTCA) and CERCLA, stating that “material jurisdictional facts at the outstanding sites are still in dispute.” While the government succeeded in dismissing some claims tied to Cannon Air Force Base, particularly those seeking injunctive relief, claims involving negligent handling of AFFF contamination at military sites remain active.

This ruling reinforces that the government can still be held accountable for operational failures in handling toxic firefighting foam, opening the door for more site-specific claims to move forward. The next steps will involve jurisdictional discovery at the remaining contaminated sites, ensuring that affected plaintiffs have their day in court.

February 24, 2025

New Teva and Estée Lauder Water Contamination Lawsuit

Teva Pharmaceuticals USA Inc. and Estée Lauder Cos. are among more than a dozen companies sued by the Village of Nyack, N.Y., over allegations that their manufacturing and waste disposal operations contaminated the town’s drinking water supply with toxic per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS).

The lawsuit, filed in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York, seeks to hold the companies financially responsible for testing, monitoring, and installing water treatment systems to remove PFAS from the Hackensack River, Nyack’s primary water source. According to the complaint, the defendants’ facilities, which include pharmaceutical, cosmetic, industrial, and waste processing plants, used PFAS in manufacturing, product formulations, and waste disposal. These chemicals allegedly leached into the environment, ultimately contaminating the town’s drinking water.

The complaint asserts that Teva, Estée Lauder, and other defendants “knew, or should have known” that their operations were releasing PFAS into the water supply, posing significant health risks. The chemicals, often called “forever chemicals” due to their persistence in the environment, have been linked to cancer, immune system suppression, and other health problems.

The lawsuit states that Nyack’s water supply contains PFAS levels exceeding the Environmental Protection Agency’s newly established maximum contaminant level of 4.0 parts per trillion. The village argues that the contamination has created an ongoing public nuisance, interfering with residents’ right to clean and safe drinking water.

February 6, 2025

Santa Clara County Files PFAS Water Contamination Lawsuit

Santa Clara County, California, filed a significant new water contamination lawsuit this week against various companies. The lawsuit alleges that PFAS chemicals have contaminated the public water supply systems servicing county residents from AFFF firefighting foam manufactured by the defendants, which include 3M and DuPont.

January 16, 2025

New Study

A new study published in the Journal of Exposure Science & Environmental Epidemiology links PFAS in drinking water to increased cancer incidence across the U.S. from 2016 to 2021. Using data from the SEER Program and PFAS monitoring programs, researchers found associations between PFAS exposure and cancers in the digestive, respiratory, endocrine, and oral cavity/pharynx systems. They estimated that PFAS in drinking water contributed to 4,626–6,864 cancer cases annually. Notable findings include strong links between PFBS and oral cancers and PFHxS and digestive cancers, underscoring the health risks posed by these “forever chemicals.”

The study also identified sex-specific risks, with thyroid and oral cancers linked to PFAS in females and brain, urinary, and leukemia cancers linked in males. PFAS compounds, known for their endocrine-disrupting properties and ability to damage DNA, are now shown to affect a broader range of cancers than previously studied.

Do we need more evidence that PFAS cause cancer? Not really. But more weapons are always good, and this study helps with some plaintiffs where the evidence of a connection was not as strong. So this research bolsters PFAS-contaminated drinking water lawsuits by providing scientific evidence that directly links these chemicals to specific cancers. We will leverage these findings to argue that water suppliers and manufacturers failed to prevent or address known contamination risks. The study’s detailed estimates of cancer cases attributable to PFAS contamination strengthen negligence claims and help quantify damages, offering a robust foundation for legal arguments in ongoing and future litigation.

January 15, 2025

New Agreement

A new proposed order, issued yesterday, outlines procedures for selecting sites where AFFF, a firefighting foam linked to PFAS contamination, is alleged to have been used and caused environmental damage.

Not surprisingly, the focus is on locations such as airports and fire training centers, designated as “Real Property Product ID Sites.” Eligibility for this category requires plaintiffs to meet specific procedural milestones: filing and serving complaints by December 20, 2024, and submitting a thoroughly completed Plaintiff Fact Sheet by the end of December, with any deficiencies addressed by January 17, 2025.

The process involves the Defense Coordinating Committee providing a proposed Product ID Profile Form by January 17, 2025, which will facilitate the identification of relevant sites by gathering basic information through a standardized checklist. This form aims to streamline the initial screening process without necessitating verification or signature from plaintiffs, thus speeding up the selection process. By February, the parties are expected to have proposed and agreed upon a list of 10 to 15 sites for more detailed product identification discovery, which will commence immediately and continue for six months. This discovery phase will include written and documentary discovery and depositions, adhering strictly to the scope defined in the CMO to ensure focused and efficient proceedings.

The whole idea here is to manage the complexities of the litigation efficiently. We need a clear, predefined path that facilitates the gathering of evidence necessary for resolving claims related to AFFF contamination, and this order helps organize the water contamination lawsuits. The lawyers were able to agree because this plan helps both plaintiffs seeking redress and defendants coordinating their defense strategies.

January 9, 2025

Where Are the Biggest Problems?

What are the most vulnerable states in the U.S. when it comes to PFAS contamination and environmental risks, and where should testing be prioritized? It’s a tough question, and the list of impacted states keeps growing. PFAS have infiltrated water systems, soils, and communities nationwide, leaving no region untouched by the environmental and health risks they pose.

Each state faces unique challenges based on geography, climate, and industrial activity. For example, California, already grappling with devastating wildfires like those currently sweeping Los Angeles, also faces significant PFAS risks. Firefighting foams, widely used to combat these fires, are a major source of PFAS contamination in water supplies, making urgent water quality testing necessary in affected regions. Meanwhile, Florida, with its dual threats of coastal flooding and hurricanes, is at risk of PFAS spreading through saltwater intrusion and stormwater runoff, particularly in communities near military installations or airports where firefighting foam has been heavily used.

Texas, another PFAS hotspot, must contend with contamination near industrial hubs and areas affected by hurricanes, where storm surges can carry PFAS into drinking water supplies. Similarly, Louisiana’s vulnerability to coastal erosion and powerful storms highlights the need for comprehensive water testing in areas near chemical plants and oil refineries, which are known sources of spitting out tons of PFAS pollution. Even states like New York, often regarded as environmentally resilient, face significant risks from aging infrastructure and PFAS contamination near former manufacturing sites and military bases.

In the Southwest, prolonged drought conditions in Arizona are straining groundwater resources, making PFAS testing critical as communities rely more heavily on these aquifers. Further north, Michigan stands as a cautionary tale, with its history of PFAS-contaminated drinking water in cities like Parchment and Oscoda, alongside the ongoing fallout from industrial pollution in areas like Flint. The state remains a high-priority zone for widespread PFAS monitoring and remediation.

More Water Contamination Lawsuit Updates and News

November 23, 2024: Nantucket Residents File PFAS Lawsuit

Today’s PFAS update involves a group of residents on Nantucket Island who have filed a class action lawsuit against PFAS manufacturers for contamination of their water supply. The lawsuit comes after the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection found extremely high levels of PFAS in well water for a group of houses in the Toms Way neighborhood. The houses are very close to a site formerly occupied by the Nantucket Electric Company, which is suspected to be the source of the contamination. Defendants named in the lawsuit include Dupont, The 3M Company, Arkema, and BASF Corp.

October 24, 2024: Staggering Numbers

A new U.S. Geological Survey study published in Science found that up to 20% of the population in the contiguous United States relies on drinking water contaminated with per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS). The study estimates that approximately 95 million people use untreated water with detectable levels of PFAS, which are linked to cancer and other diseases. The research is the first national estimate of PFAS levels in untreated groundwater, showing how these chemicals can migrate into deeper aquifers.

States with the most residents exposed to PFAS through public water systems include Florida and California, while private wells in Michigan, North Carolina, New York, and Ohio are particularly affected. The EPA recently set the first national standards for six types of PFAS, limiting exposure levels to 4 parts per trillion for specific chemicals like PFOA and PFOS, although the goal is zero exposure. The study’s predictive model aims to prioritize future water testing efforts, especially for private well users, who may have limited access to water quality information.

This was a comprehensive study. The researchers analyzed 1,238 groundwater samples to understand how urban development and well depth influence PFAS contamination but did not estimate exact concentrations or factor in water treatment efforts.

October 23, 2024: New Ulcerative Colitis Lawsuit

In a new lawsuit filed last week, a New York firefighter has brought an AFFF ulcerative colitis lawsuit against several chemical manufacturers, including 3M Company, DuPont, Chemours, and others. The plaintiff alleges that prolonged exposure to drinking water contaminated with AFFF, containing toxic chemicals like PFOA and PFOS, led to a diagnosis of ulcerative colitis.

According to the complaint, the plaintiff was exposed to these hazardous chemicals over an extended period due to the defendants’ manufacturing and distribution of firefighting foam products used in the vicinity. The lawsuit seeks compensatory and punitive damages for the plaintiff’s severe personal injuries and ongoing suffering.

Ulcerative colitis, while not as frequently discussed as cancers in water contamination litigation, is a significant and debilitating condition linked to PFAS exposure. This chronic inflammatory bowel disease causes long-term inflammation and ulcers in the digestive tract, leading to severe abdominal pain, diarrhea, fatigue, and weight loss. PFAS found in AFFF and other industrial chemicals are known to accumulate in the human body and disrupt the immune and gastrointestinal systems.

Studies have clearly shown that exposure to high levels of PFAS can increase the risk of developing ulcerative colitis, as these chemicals trigger immune responses and inflammation in the digestive system.

October 5, 2024: DOD

The Department of Defense is intensifying its efforts to address widespread PFAS contamination on military installations in response to mounting health concerns over these toxic “forever chemicals.” Following new EPA drinking water standards that set the safety threshold at 4 parts per trillion, the DoD issued a directive to prioritize PFAS cleanup across hundreds of military sites.

Currently, investigations are underway at 350 locations, with plans to assess an additional 150 sites in the next two years. This is good news. This move signals the DoD’s commitment to accelerating remediation efforts and improving transparency after facing criticism for its slow response to PFAS contamination, which, as you know if you are reading this, has been linked to serious health issues like cancer and thyroid disorders.

The DoD’s updated strategy goes beyond just meeting federal guidelines, aiming for stricter measures to mitigate risks to military families and surrounding communities. As scrutiny increases, the DoD’s handling of PFAS contamination will be closely monitored as a test of its commitment to safeguarding public health on and around its bases.

September 19, 2024: Texas Resident Files Lawsuit Alleging Contaminated Drinking Water

A Texas man has filed a new lawsuit in the U.S. District Court for the District of South Carolina, alleging that exposure to AFFF containing toxic chemicals like PFOA and PFOS caused him to develop thyroid disease. The plaintiff, a Texas resident named in the lawsuit, claims that the exposure occurred through contaminated drinking water in his area. The lawsuit states that the plaintiff unknowingly ingested the chemicals over a prolonged period, leading to severe personal injuries, pain, and emotional distress.

The plaintiff alleges that the companies involved, including 3M Company, Dupont de Nemours, Chemours, and others, manufactured and distributed AFFF and related products containing these hazardous chemicals. The lawsuit claims that the defendants were aware of the health risks posed by PFOA and PFOS but failed to provide adequate warnings or take measures to protect consumers. The case seeks compensatory and punitive damages for the plaintiff’s injuries and calls for a trial to be transferred to the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Texas, where the plaintiff resides and was exposed to the chemicals.

September 5, 2024: More Claims Involving Port Hueneme

Our lawyers are seeing more claims involving Port Hueneme Naval Base in California. We are investigating these claims.

August 29, 2024: New Study On Sources Of PFAS In Airway Heights

A new study concludes that both historical uses of firefighting foam at Fairchild Air Force Base and a local landfill could have contributed to the PFAS contamination in Airway Heights, Washington.

Initiated after detecting unusual PFAS levels in 2017, the study examined potential sources like wildfires, landfills, aircraft crash sites, and pesticide use on nearby farmlands. Researchers employed interviews, document analysis, and reviewed scientific and media articles to compile their findings.

This comprehensive analysis suggests that the contamination is likely due to multiple sources, including, echoing the Camp Lejeune debacle, long-standing practices at the base and local waste management methods.

August 24, 2024: 7th Circuit Rules 3M PFAS Lawsuit Should Remain In State Court

The 7th Circuit ruled that an Illinois lawsuit against 3M regarding PFAS contamination should remain in state court.

The panel determined that the federal officer removal statute does not apply because Illinois is not seeking damages for PFAS contamination related to the U.S. military’s use of aqueous film-forming foam (AFFF) at the Rock Island Arsenal. Instead, Illinois is pursuing damages for contamination solely from PFAS discharged from 3M’s facility in Cordova.

Despite 3M’s attempts to argue for federal jurisdiction based on its role as a federal contractor, the court upheld the previous decision to remand the case to state court, emphasizing that Illinois had clearly limited its claims to those not involving AFFF contamination.

August 15, 2024: Investigation Into PFAS At Mohawk And Shaw Facilities

Our legal team is actively investigating potential lawsuits related to PFAS chemical exposure at Mohawk and Shaw facilities.

August 8, 2024: Illinois PFAS Lawsuit Remanded To State Court

An Illinois lawsuit concerning PFAS pollution in the Mississippi River has been remanded to state court after 3M failed to demonstrate federal jurisdiction.

The U.S. Court of Appeals for the Seventh Circuit ruled that 3M did not have a viable federal defense against claims that it violated state laws by contaminating the river with PFAS.

3M had attempted to use the federal government contractor defense, arguing unsuccessfully once again that PFAS could have come from its own facility or a nearby military installation. However, the court determined that Illinois is only seeking relief for pollution originating from 3M’s Cordova facility, making the federal defense irrelevant and affirming an earlier district court ruling.

August 6, 2024: 3M Removes PFAS Lawsuit To Federal Court

3M removed to federal court today a lawsuit filed by 88 plaintiffs who allege PFAS exposure near various military bases across the country. The plaintiffs are seeking compensation for personal injuries, property damage, and environmental harm caused by the contamination of groundwater from PFAS substances like PFOS and PFOA, which are known to be toxic, persistent, and bioaccumulative.

The complaint details the history of PFAS usage, the known dangers associated with these chemicals, and the alleged failures of the defendants to warn of these risks. It accuses the defendants of knowing the harmful effects of these chemicals on human health and the environment, yet continuing to produce and sell them without proper disclosures or precautions. The legal action is based on claims of negligence, failure to warn, and the direct link between exposure to PFAS and various health problems experienced by the plaintiffs.

July 28, 2024: EPA To Begin Testing For PFAS Near Army Bases

The EPA will begin testing private drinking water wells for PFAS contamination near U.S. Army bases, as part of a pilot program announced on Friday.

The initiative, which may expand to other Army locations, aims to identify the presence of PFAS that could be leaking from military sites. The selected bases include:

Fort Liberty in North Carolina
Fort Hunter Ligett and Parks Reserve Forces Training Area in California
Fort Stewart and Fort Stewart—Hunter Army Airfield in Georgia
Fort Novosel in Alabama
Blue Grass Army Depot and Fort Campbell in Kentucky
Fort Sill and McAlester Army Ammunition Plant in Oklahoma

The hope is that it eventually does every base so we can all see what is what. The agency recently set a strict drinking water standard for several PFAS, including a non-enforceable goal of zero parts per trillion for perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) and perfluorooctane sulfonic acid (PFOS), reflecting what our lawyer have been saying for a long time: no safe level of these chemicals exists.

July 15, 2024: New Lawsuit Filed On Behalf Of Ohio Resident

A new lawsuit was filed on Friday on behalf of an Ohio man who is seeking damages related to the alleged contamination of his drinking water by fluorochemical products, specifically those contained in AFFF.

Plaintiff says contaminated drinking water has resulted in his developing testicular cancer, necessitating medical treatments including an orchiectomy—a surgical procedure involving the removal of one or both testicles.

The lawsuit details that the defendants were aware of the harmful effects of their fluorochemical products for decades but continued to manufacture and sell them without adequate warnings or instructions, contributing to the contamination of public drinking water sources. Adkins seeks compensatory and punitive damages for the injuries and economic losses suffered due to the defendants’ alleged negligence, defective product design, failure to warn, and fraudulent misrepresentation.

July 9, 2024: New Lawsuit Filed Alleging PFAS In Band-Aid Products

Concerns about the risk of PFAS go beyond just drinking water and firefighting foam. A new lawsuit has been filed by Rebekah Badilla against Kenvue Inc. and Johnson & Johnson Consumer Inc., alleging that certain Band-Aid products contain PFAS without informing consumers.

The proposed nationwide consumer class action, filed in federal court, claims that Band-Aid products, including Band-Aid Flexible Fabric Comfortable Protection Bandages and Band-Aid Water Block Tough-Strips Waterproof Adhesive Bandages, contain PFAS, which were designated as hazardous substances by the EPA in April 2024.

The lawsuit argues that Kenvue markets these bandages with health-focused claims, misleading consumers into believing they are made with safe materials. Badilla’s complaint highlights the serious health risks associated with PFAS exposure, such as cancer, liver damage, decreased fertility, and increased risk of asthma and thyroid disease, as noted by the CDC.

Badilla asserts that Kenvue uses PFAS in its adhesive bandages for their waterproof qualities and accuses the defendants of knowingly concealing this information from consumers. She seeks to represent a nationwide class of potentially millions of consumers, as well as a New York subclass, alleging violations of the New York Deceptive Trade Practices Act and unjust enrichment. The suit demands restitution for the class members, claiming that if consumers had known about the PFAS content, they would not have purchased the products or would have paid significantly less.

The lawsuit also points out that testing by watchdog group Mamavation found PFAS in several Band-Aid products, confirming Badilla’s claims. Kenvue Inc., created from Johnson & Johnson’s healthcare division spinoff in 2023, is named alongside Johnson & Johnson Consumer Inc. as defendants.

July 1, 2024: New Lawsuit Alleges PFAS Contamination In Decatur, Alabama

A new water contamination lawsuit alleges that 3M, Toray, and Daikin have knowingly contaminated the environment with PFAS in Decatur, Alabama.

The plaintiff, a long-time resident of North Alabama, claims that prolonged exposure to contaminated drinking water has resulted in his prostate cancer diagnosis. The lawsuit details that PFAS chemicals, including PFOA and PFOS, persist in the human body and accumulate over time, causing severe health issues such as various cancers, thyroid disease, and infertility. Despite being aware of the toxicity of these chemicals since the 1970s, the companies continued to release them into the environment.

The plaintiff’s water sources, historically containing PFAS levels far exceeding the proposed safety limits, are cited as the cause of his prostate cancer.

The case was filed in Alabama state court and was removed to federal court by the defendants on Friday.

June 29, 2024: Map Of Drinking Water Problem Areas

Newsweek has a good map of the drinking water problem areas.

July 26, 2024: Proposed Class Action Alleges PFAS In Protective Firefighting Gear

Connecticut firefighters have filed a proposed class action lawsuit against 3M, DuPont, and 17 other companies, alleging exposure to harmful levels of PFAS in their protective gear.

The lawsuit, initiated by the Uniformed Professional Fire Fighters Association and five firefighter unions, claims that firefighters absorbed these toxic chemicals through their skin, particularly while sweating, and also ingested and inhaled them. They accuse the companies of knowing the dangers of the equipment but misleading users by marketing them as safe, failing to warn about significant health risks, and profiting from these actions.

This PFAS claim seeks compensatory and punitive damages and demands that the companies stop making PFAS-containing gear. Additionally, it calls for the establishment of a medical program to monitor and diagnose health issues related to PFAS exposure.

June 10, 2024: Water Utility Associations Petition Federal Court To Challenge EPA’s Limits On PFAS In Drinking Water

Two water utility associations, the American Water Works Association and the Association of Metropolitan Water Agencies, have petitioned a federal court to challenge the EPA’s national limits on PFAS in drinking water. The rule, issued in April, sets parts per trillion limits on five PFAS substances and introduces a novel approach for limiting mixtures of three of these substances along with perfluorobutanesulfonic acid (PFBS). The associations argue that the EPA did not use the best available science or the most recent data and that the rule does not address concerns related to the affordability of safe drinking water for households.

This is frustrating. By opposing the science-based regulations intended to mitigate the known risks of PFAS contamination, these utilities undermine efforts to protect millions of Americans from harmful chemicals in their drinking water. We all get it, we have to be mindful of the economic impact of these rules. But there is an urgent need to address these toxic substances’ long-term health effects.

May 30, 2024: New Investigation Into 3M’s Awareness Of PFAS Health Risks

A new investigation has shed new light on how 3M was aware for decades of the severe health risks posed by PFAS and yet chose to ignore warnings and suppress information.

The report highlights research conducted by former 3M chemist Kris Hansen. At her supervisor’s request in 1997, Hansen began testing human blood for perfluorooctanesulfonic acid (PFOS), a type of PFAS. Her findings indicated that PFOS was present in human blood worldwide. Hansen discovered that these chemicals only appeared in human blood after 3M began manufacturing them.

Hansen’s work was stifled by 3M, which concealed its own research from the 1970s and 1980s that already indicated PFAS accumulated in lab rats and humans, causing adverse health effects. It wasn’t until May 2000 that 3M acknowledged finding PFAS in human blood. Even then, it downplayed the health risks.

Hansen is no hero. She was very prolific among scientists looking for these chemicals. She kept her mouth shut and remained silent about her findings until 2022, when she spoke to ProPublica after her position at 3M was eliminated. She does not have good answers for why she did not speak up sooner. But better now than never.

May 28, 2024: New PFAS Lawsuit Filed By Alabama Woman

A North Alabama woman has filed a new PFAS water contamination lawsuit against 3M, Daikin America, Toray Fluorofibers (America), and other unidentified defendants. She alleges that these companies discharged toxic PFAS chemicals, including PFOA and PFOS, into the Tennessee River in Decatur, Alabama. PFAS chemicals are known to be toxic and carcinogenic, accumulating in the human body and causing diseases such as cancer, thyroid disease, and infertility.

The lawsuit claims that since the 1970s, 3M knew about the harmful effects of PFAS but failed to prevent their release and misled the public about their safety. Similarly, Toray and Daikin continued to release these chemicals despite knowing the risks.

The plaintiff claims this water contaminated with PFAS led to her diagnosis of hypothyroidism. She seeks damages for the injuries caused by the defendants’ negligent and reckless actions, which resulted in the contamination of her drinking water. The lawsuit includes counts of negligence, wantonness, private nuisance, battery, and fraudulent concealment.

The case was filed in Alabama state court but will be removed to federal court.

May 22, 2024: South Carolina MDL To Settle For $316.5 Million

Attorneys representing public water systems in a South Carolina multidistrict litigation over “forever chemicals” in drinking water announced Tuesday an agreement in principle with BASF Corp., which will pay $316.5 million to resolve the claims.

The settlement funds will help ensure compliance with the Safe Drinking Water Act by funding monitoring, treatment, and remediation of PFAS found in drinking water due to their inclusion of AFFF. In the announcement, plaintiffs’ attorneys stated that $312.5 million will be placed in an escrow account for class members, while $4 million will be set aside for administrative costs. The deal is subject to court approval.

We are slowly, thankfully, getting rid of these water contamination lawsuits so there can be more focus on the personal injury claims.

April 24, 2024: New Lawsuit Over Kerrygold Butter

Ornua Foods North America Inc. faces a new lawsuit over its Kerrygold Butter products due to alleged misrepresentations about the packaging’s safety. There have been some losses in similar PFAS suits of late. But this lawsuit was upheld by New York federal court Judge Frederick Block, who found it “distinguishable from several recent, non-binding cases where consumer products allegedly contained PFAS.”

The plaintiff in this PFAS lawsuit argues that chemicals migrate from the packaging into the butter, posing health risks such as fertility issues, developmental delays, and increased cancer risk, among others. The butter’s packaging prominently stated that the product is “PURE IRISH BUTTER,” a claim brought into question when Ornua recalled its products in early 2023 following a New York state law banning PFAS in food packaging.

The plaintiff filed the lawsuit accusing Ornua of false advertising, deceptive business practices, and selling adulterated or misbranded products, among other claims. Her class action lawsuit seeks monetary damages and injunctive relief.

April 19, 2024: EPA Finalizes Rule Aimed At Facilitating Cleanups Of Contaminated Sites

The EPA has finalized a rule that classifies PFOA and PFOS as hazardous substances under CERCLA, aimed at facilitating the cleanup of contaminated sites. This rule mandates entities like businesses and military facilities that release one pound or more of these chemicals within 24 hours to report such releases. Although immediate cleanup or testing isn’t compulsory, the designation significantly increases potential liability, opening the door for costly cleanup orders and associated litigation. Entities may also face lawsuits from other parties attempting to recoup cleanup costs.

April 15, 2024: Philadelphia Resident Allges Contaminated Drinking Water Caused Kidney Cancer

In a new lawsuit, a resident of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, alleges she was exposed to contaminated drinking water containing per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), which are harmful chemicals linked to various health issues. As a result of this exposure, the plaintiff developed kidney cancer and underwent significant medical treatment, including a nephrectomy (surgical removal of a kidney). The lawsuit claims that this exposure caused the plaintiff severe personal injuries, pain, and emotional distress, and continues to pose a risk of further health complications. The plaintiff also incurred and will continue to incur significant medical expenses due to the ongoing health issues caused by the exposure to these toxic substances.

The complaint details that the defendants failed to warn about the dangerous properties of these fluorochemical products despite knowledge of their potential harm. As a result of exposure to contaminated drinking water containing these chemicals, the plaintiff claims to have developed severe health issues, including kidney cancer. This led to significant personal suffering, medical expenses, and ongoing health risks.

Who did the plaintiff sue? Who didn’t she sue? This is the a laundry list of defendants: 3M, AGC Chemicals Americas, Amerex, Archroma U.S., Arkema, BASF, Buckeye Fire Equipment, Carrier Global, ChemDesign Products, Chemguard, Chubb Fire, Clariant, Corteva, DuPont de Nemours, Dynax, E.I. DuPont de Nemours, Kidde PLC, National Foam, Raytheon Technologies, The Chemours Company, The Chemours Company FC, Tyco Fire Products, United Technologies, and UTC Fire & Security Americas.

April 14, 2024: Tyco Fire Joins Agreement To Settle Substantial Amount Of PFAS Lawsuits

Tyco Fire has joined 3M, Chemours, Corteva, and DuPont in agreeing to settle a good chunk of the PFAS lawsuits against it. The $750 million settlement resolves lawsuits from cities affected by PFAS contamination through its firefighting foam products. This settlement will fund remediation efforts for the public water systems involved.

April 13, 2024: Federal Court Rules Vermont’s Lawsuit Against 3M Will Remain Under State Jurisdiction

A federal district court has ruled that Vermont’s lawsuit against 3M Co., alleging that the company damaged natural resources by disposing of products containing PFAS in state landfills, will remain under state jurisdiction. The decision by District Judge William K. Sessions III to keep the case in Vermont’s Superior Court was due to 3M’s undue delay in seeking to transfer the case to federal court.

This PFAS lawsuit, initiated five years ago, is part of Vermont’s broader litigation against multiple PFAS manufacturers, including E. I. du Pont de Nemours and the Chemours.. This case specifically targets the contamination from various consumer and industrial products, not just firefighting foam, that have contributed significantly to the state’s PFAS pollution.

April 11, 2024: Significant Shift In Firefighting Gear

Two North American cities, Vancouver in Canada and Concord in New Hampshire, U.S., are leading a significant shift in firefighting gear by allocating public funds for the purchase of personal protective equipment that does not contain per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS).

This move is a direct response to the increasing concerns over the health risks associated with PFAS, chemicals known for their persistence in the environment and potential links to cancer. Vancouver’s city council has approved a substantial investment for PFAS-free firefighting gear, with an expectation to outfit the entire department by January 2025. Similarly, Concord’s investment will provide PFAS-free gear to its firefighters, responding to the high incidence of cancer among the firefighting community.

These purchases represent a broader effort that should be commended to mitigate occupational cancer risks, spurred by firefighter unions and backed by recent developments in textile technology that meet safety standards without using PFAS.

April 2, 2024: Pennsylvania Resident Files Lawsuit Against 3M

A Pennsylvania resident filed a lawsuit against 3M and other chemical manufacturers, claiming that the companies’ fluorochemical products led to the contamination of the state’s water supply. The plaintiff alleges to have consumed this contaminated water and, as a consequence, developed kidney cancer, which necessitated medical interventions, including surgery.

Her PFAS drinking water lawsuit attributes the plaintiff’s suffering, pain, emotional distress, including fears of cancer recurrence, and financial losses to the ingestion of water tainted with the defendants’ chemicals. Moreover, the plaintiff asserts that these fluorochemicals continue to reside in their body, posing ongoing risks of further disease and potential cancer recurrence.

April 1, 2024: Judge Approves 3M PFAS Drinking Water Settlement

As expected, Judge Gergel greenlit 3M PFAS drinking water settlement on Friday.

The settlement, ranging between $10 billion and $12.5 billion, spares 3M from potentially prolonged legal disputes with utilities over its responsibility for the damages caused by its PFAS, which have been used for decades in specialized firefighting foams released directly into the environment. But there is more litigation on the horizon for 3 M, starting with the AFFF firefighting foam lawsuits.

Krakauer has been given three weeks to amend his complaint.

March, 21, 2024: New PFAS Lawsuit Filed In AFFF MDL

A new PFAS lawsuit was filed in the AFFF MDL last week. The plaintiff, an adult residing in Guin, Marion County, Alabama since 1974, is the duly appointed personal representative of the estate of his late spouse His spouse, born in 1972 and a fellow resident of Guin, Marion County, Alabama, passed away in 2022 at age 50.

During her life, she was regularly exposed to PFAS products manufactured by the defendant, 3M. This exposure led to a breast cancer diagnosis, which ultimately caused her death.

3M Company has been implicated in environmental pollution through the discharge of PFAS-contaminated wastewater into Purgatory Creek, a vital water source for Marion County. This pollution extends to ground and surface waters.

His 3M PFAS lawsuit accuses the company of disposing of solid waste laden with PFAS chemicals at a landfill close to the cities of Guin and Twin in Marion County. This caused a chemical runoff into the local sanitary sewer system managed by the Guin Water Works and Sewer Board (GWWSB), as well as into the area’s watersheds, creeks, streams, and private water sources. GWWSB, which supplies drinking water to the communities in and around Guin, including Twin, Hamilton, and Winfield, has been providing water contaminated with PFAS due to 3M’s activities. The decedent, a consumer of GWWSB’s water, used this contaminated water for drinking and household purposes, resulting in direct exposure to PFAS.

March 8, 2024: EPA Releases Draft Analysis Concerning Health Hazards of PFNA

The EPA released a draft analysis focusing on the health hazards of perfluorononanoic acid (PFNA), a type of PFAS. The analysis examines potential birth weight reductions resulting from PFNA ingestion. Birth weight is a critical indicator of infant health, as it can impact various aspects of a baby’s development and well-being. Low birth weight infants can face increased risks of health complications, including respiratory issues, feeding difficulties, infections, and developmental delays.

PFNA is primarily used in the production of polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF), commonly used in industrial equipment.

March 7, 2024: EPA Addresses Navy About PFAS Contamination In Hawaii

The EPA has sent the Navy a letter about PFAS contamination in Hawaii. It emphasizes the need to expedite the Red Hill PFAS Remedial Investigation (RI) and conduct bi-monthly sampling for PFAS in facility wells. The letter also suggests evaluating data to identify trends, sampling storage tanks for PFAS, and responding to comments on groundwater sampling programs.

Six out of the 21 monitoring wells around Red Hill detected PFAS levels exceeding EPA standards last year. This prompted the EPA and Hawaii health department to urge the Navy to investigate further. The groundwater tested is not directly used for drinking but is part of the same aquifer system relied upon by the Navy and civilian water utilities, which maintain that their delivered water is safe.

PFAS contamination gained public attention after a November 2022 spill of PFAS-containing firefighting foam at Red Hill. Test results continue to show PFAS presence at the spill site, known as Adit 6. Regulators found high concentrations of an older PFAS variant, PFOS, in soil near Adit 6 and groundwater under a different part of the facility, suggesting historical contamination. This indicates a broader PFAS issue at Red Hill that certainly warrants further investigation.

March 5, 2024: Coty Inc. Successfully Defends Against PFAS Lawsuit

Coty Inc. successfully defended against a consumer protection lawsuit in federal court in New York claiming that purchasers overpaid for two of its mascaras, alleging the presence of PFAS. Judge Analisa Torres ruled that consumers failed to provide sufficient evidence, including details about the testing methodology and the extent of PFAS presence in the products.

The lawsuit followed a 2021 study from Notre Dame, which found PFAS in some waterproof mascaras. However, the court previously dismissed the suit for failing to demonstrate that consumers relied on Coty’s statements about its brand. Despite denying the consumers’ request to dismiss the suit without prejudice, Torres allowed them to seek leave to amend their complaint if they could present new facts to support their claims.

Honestly, I cannot tell whether all of these consumer class action lawsuits are a part of the solution or a part of the problem. Our lawyers are focused on injury and and wrongful death claims and I sometimes fear that the water contamination and consumer class action suits are distracting those lawsuits from people who have suffered direct instead of theoretical injury from PFAS/AFFF.

March 4, 2024: Connecticut Residents File Proposed Class Action Against Kimberly-Clark Corp.

Three Connecticut residents have filed a proposed class action against Kimberly-Clark Corp., alleging that the company contaminated private wells near its New Milford manufacturing plant with toxic chemicals. This PFAS lawsuit claims that Kimberly-Clark’s emissions from its facility’s smokestacks spread PFAS into the air and surrounding area, poisoning private drinking water wells.

Kimberly-Clark’s New Milford facility, which has been producing paper products since the 1950s. The suit claims it utilizes forever chemicals in its manufacturing process, potentially leading to health issues and property devaluation.

The complaint outlines two proposed classes: one for property owners affected by the contamination and another for those who ingested the contaminants.

February 27, 2024: U.S. Government Submits Motions To District Court Of South Carolina

The U.S. government submitted three motions to the U.S. District Court for the District of South Carolina, explaining why it believes the court should reject claims that the military is responsible for environmental damage attributed in New Mexico to the use of fire-fighting foams containing per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS).

These motions respond to claims of nationwide environmental harm and damage alleged by the state of New Mexico and four dairy farms, which they attribute to activities at Cannon Air Force Base. The government argues for the dismissal of New Mexico’s claims due to lack of subject-matter jurisdiction under section 113(h) of CERCLA. This section restricts federal courts from hearing challenges to ongoing cleanup efforts. I’m not sure why a civil lawsuit for the damages relates to the Air Force’s ongoing investigation and remediation efforts at CAFB, and why money damages for the harm caused would interfere with these efforts.

They also assert that the use and handling of AFFF were integral to the Air Force’s military mission, and the decisions challenged by the plaintiffs are examples of discretionary, policy-based decisions made in furtherance of that mission. Such decisions are protected under the FTCA’s Discretionary Function Exception (28 U.S.C. § 2680(a)), which essentially provides immunity to the United States for actions taken as part of a government official’s discretionary functions or duties, as long as the actions are not illegal or based on statutory violations.

Should the court side with the federal government, absolving it of liability – I don’t think it will – water contamination lawyers will change gears and file against the PFAS makers.

February 26, 2024: Illinois Resident Files New PFAS Lawsuit

In a new PFAS lawsuit filed in the Circuit Court of Madison County, Illinois, the plaintiff, a resident of Bethalto, Madison County, alleges that his diagnosis of testicular cancer was caused or contributed to by exposure to PFAS, TCE, and other toxic chemicals. These substances were reportedly manufactured, sold, distributed, marketed, designed, supplied, stored, and/or used by various defendants, including Shell USA, Phillips 66, Aton, Safety Kleen Systems, 3M, and others.

The complaint describes the plaintiff’s long-term exposure to PFAS through drinking water in Wood River, Madison County, where he was born and raised. The lawsuit includes several counts against the defendants, covering negligence and strict liability for design defect and failure to warn in connection with the PFAS chemicals.

Additionally, specific counts are directed against industrial defendants and Safety-Kleen Systems, outlining their roles in the plaintiff’s exposure to harmful substances. The complaint argues that the defendants were aware or should have been aware of the risks associated with PFAS and TCE but failed to protect public health, contributing to the plaintiff’s cancer diagnosis. The plaintiff seeks compensatory damages exceeding $50,000.00, along with other relief deemed appropriate by the court.

February 25, 2024: Policymakers Set To Review Over 450 Bills Targeting Toxic Chemicals

In 2024, policymakers in 36 states are set to review over 450 bills targeting toxic chemicals, with a significant focus on PFAS, as per a report by Safer States, an alliance of environmental organizations. This initiative marks a potential record year for PFAS bans, extending beyond mere prohibitions to include measures like monitoring and testing of PFAS in various environments, and labeling restrictions in products such as firefighting equipment.

The movement gains momentum from diverse groups, including firefighters, farmers, and families, aiming to mitigate the risks associated with petrochemicals and toxic materials. Additionally, at least 25 states will contemplate laws to curb plastic pollution and waste, while no fewer than 15 states are expected to examine regulations on harmful chemicals in cosmetics, alongside other environmental health issues like microplastics in drinking water and chemical disclosure. This effort reflects a broader push towards eliminating toxic substances from consumer products and adopting safer alternatives.

February 15, 2024: Seneca County Files Federal Lawsuit Against Former Army Depot In New York

Seneca County filed a federal lawsuit this morning against a former Army depot in New York highlighting that the depot’s use of firefighting foam contaminated the county’s drinking water with PFAS, leading to serious health concerns.

Sampling of the plaintiff’s drinking water on September 10, 2019, revealed PFAS levels significantly above New York State’s maximum contaminant levels (MCL) for PFOA and PFOS, with PFOA at 1,360 ppt, PFHxS at 2,790 ppt, and PFHxA at 1,090 ppt.

The complaint underscores that the Seneca Army Depot (SAD) stored and utilized large quantities of aqueous film-forming foam containing PFCs for firefighting and explosion training exercises, knowingly releasing these hard-to-breakdown chemicals into the environment until about 2009 despite awareness of their toxicity.

The PFAS lawsuit alleges that the Department of Defense’s prolonged use of these dangerous substances has led to their infiltration into the air, soil, groundwater, and ultimately, the county’s water supply. Filed in the U.S. District Court for the Western District of New York, the lawsuit seeks reimbursement for the costs of investigating this contamination and funding for a water treatment system to eliminate PFAS from Seneca County’s water.

February 14, 2024: Carneys Point Township Seeks To Delay Final Approval Of $393 Million Settlement

Carneys Point Township in New Jersey is seeking to delay the final approval of a significant $393 million settlement between the state and Solvay Specialty Polymers USA LLC, the American branch of a Belgian chemical company, concerning contamination from “forever chemicals.”

The township argues that the rush to settle the case has led the state and its external legal representatives to overlook legal protocols. Filed motions to intervene by the township aim to stay the settlement’s approval pending the resolution of two additional lawsuits against both the state and Solvay.

The crux of Carneys Point’s argument is that the proposed settlement deviates from the legal requirement for Solvay to establish a $315 million cash trust for remediation, accusing the state of allowing Solvay to circumvent this obligation with a lesser commitment of $214 million in non-cash guarantees and $101 million in cash escrow, which the state can deploy at its discretion.

The township further criticizes the state’s retainer agreement with its external counsel on the grounds of legality, alleging an inappropriate arrangement to pool funds from this and other contamination cases for contingency fees, contrary to legal stipulations limiting attorney fees to 10% of natural resource damages.

February 9, 2024: North Carolina Court Rules E.I. Du Pont De Nemours And Co. Subsidiaries May Be Accountable For PFAS Contamination

A North Carolina court has ruled that current subsidiaries and spinoffs originating from the chemical giant E.I. du Pont de Nemours and Co. may be accountable for alleged contamination from PFAS company.

The context for this ruling is a legal action that accuses these entities, stemming from a lawsuit initiated in 2020, of contributing to pollution affecting the state’s air, land, and water through their activities at the Fayetteville Works chemical plant in North Carolina. The lawsuit names all three DuPont companies, including E.I. du Pont and The Chemours Co., blaming them for the dissemination of PFAS chemicals.

February 2, 2024: EPS Proposed Two Significant Rules Addressing Management Of Hazardous Wastes

The EPA has proposed two significant waste rules aimed at addressing the management of hazardous wastes, including specific PFAS chemicals.

These initiatives would empower the EPA, alongside state and local governments, to mandate investigations and remediation efforts for PFAS contamination.

The most important new rule seeks to classify nine particular PFAS chemicals as hazardous constituents under the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA), enhancing the regulatory framework for managing PFAS-containing waste.

The proposed rules, which will be open for public comment, are part of the EPA’s new hustle to regulate PFAS through multiple legal avenues, including the Toxic Substances Control Act and the Safe Drinking Water Act.

February 1, 2024: New PFAS Lawsuit Filed By Village Of Johnson City

A new PFAS lawsuit was filed last week by the Village of Johnson City. It centers on allegations of environmental contamination and damage caused by PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances) emanating from the United States Air Force (called Plant 59).

The Village asserts that for six decades, the activities at USAF Plant 59 have created a substantial risk of PFAS contamination to surface soils, sediments, stormwater runoff, and groundwater, ultimately threatening the safety and quality of the Village’s drinking water supply. The lawsuit accuses USAF Plant 59 of knowing or recklessly disregarding the risk that such contamination would substantially harm the Village and its water customers.

This PFAS lawsuit outlines two primary claims:

Continuing Public Nuisance: It is argued that USAF Plant 59’s actions and inactions have unreasonably and significantly interfered with the common rights of the Village and its residents and businesses to a safe source of drinking water. This interference is said to have caused detrimental effects on public health, welfare, safety, comfort, and convenience, thus constituting a public nuisance. The Plant is accused of failing to remove PFAS contamination or to stop its migration to the Village’s water supply, thereby perpetuating this nuisance.
Continuing Trespass: The Village alleges that the PFAS contamination from USAF Plant 59 has unlawfully migrated onto its property used for collecting drinking water, constituting a trespass and unlawful interference with its property rights. The complaint states that USAF Plant 59 has not taken adequate steps to remove the contamination or prevent its ongoing migration, thus continuing the trespass against the Village’s property rights.

The lawsuit seeks various forms of relief, including monetary damages for the continuing trespass and public nuisance, reimbursement for past and future costs incurred by the Village to investigate and mitigate the contamination, payment for or reimbursement of the costs of installing a treatment system to remove PFAS from the Village’s water supply, reasonable attorney fees and legal expenses, and any other relief deemed just and proper by the Court.

There is no question that PFAS contamination at military bases across the United States represents a significant health risk, with some bases showing alarmingly high levels of these hazardous chemicals. For veterans stationed at these locations, unknowing exposure to PFAS and potentially other toxic substances has had health implications.

January 31, 2024: 3rd Circuit Deliberates On Whether EPA’s Health Advisory For PFAS Constitutes Legal Requirement

The 3rd Circuit deliberated yesterday on whether the EPA’s health advisory for two PFAS (hexafluoropropylene oxide dimer acid and its ammonium salt), known as “GenX chemicals,” constitutes a legal requirement.

The Chemours Company is challenging the 2022 advisory, which suggests that concentrations above ten parts per trillion in drinking water may pose health risks, such as liver abnormalities.

The critical issue in the oral arguments was whether such advisories are regulatory and enforceable. The EPA argued that they are informational, non-enforceable, and not regulatory, as per the Safe Drinking Water Act.

Chemours countered that these advisories have immediate practical implications. It cited an example of a Utah waste permit where compliance with the advisory is enforceable under state or federal law.

We discuss this case more in our January 2nd update below.

This is a big ruling. It will probably come faster than most 3rd Circuit rulings.

January 28, 2024: PFAS Levels In Military Bases

- Altus Air Force Base (Oklahoma): 1 million ppt
- Barksdale Air Force Base (Louisiana): 1 million ppt
- Charleston Air Force Base (South Carolina): 1 million ppt
- England Air Force Base (Louisiana): 21 million ppt
- Langley Air Force Base (Virginia): 2 million ppt
- Myrtle Beach Air Force Base (South Carolina): 3 million ppt
- Naval Air Station Jacksonville (Florida): 1 million ppt
- Naval Air Weapons Station China Lake (California): 8 million ppt
- Patrick Air Force Base (Florida): 4 million ppt
- Port Hueneme Naval Base (California): 1 million ppt

January 23, 2024: New PFAS Lawsuit From Alabama Residents

In a new PFAS water contamination lawsuit, a group of long-time residents of North Alabama alleges they unknowingly ingested water contaminated with PFAS chemicals released by the defendants. This contamination resulted in various diseases for each plaintiff, including pancreatic cancer, kidney cancer, and hypothyroidism, as a consequence of their exposure.

The plaintiffs in Cowart v. 3M seek damages and relief from the defendants for their negligent and willful discharge of PFAS chemicals into the Tennessee River, which contaminated the plaintiffs’ water and caused their illnesses.

January 19, 2024: Sixth Circuit Court To Not Reconsider Previous Decision That Vacated Class Certification

The Sixth Circuit Court will not reconsider a previous decision that vacated class certification for a lawsuit involving 11 million Ohio residents against 3M Co. and other companies. The residents accused these companies of selling products containing harmful “forever chemicals.” The decision not to rehear the case was confirmed by a recent order, which indicated that no judge requested a vote for a rehearing.

See the November 28th update below for more information.

January 18, 2024: New Clinician Guidelines On PFAS

The CDC has ignored the PFAS problem for years. Not anymore. Now, they have updated their recommendations for healthcare professionals on how to test and treat individuals who have been exposed to PFAS.

The new Clinician Guidelines on PFAS highlight the current gaps in scientific understanding regarding the impact of PFAS exposure and emphasize the absence of established medical treatments to reduce the levels of these harmful substances in the bloodstream.

January 16, 2024: Judge Dismisses Two PFAS Class Actions

U.S. District Judge Araceli Martínez-Olguín of the Northern District of California has dismissed two class action lawsuits alleging that certain tampon brands contain harmful “forever chemicals.” a ruled ”n favor of Edgewell Personal Care, finding the cases concerning O.B. Organic and Playtex Gentle Glide product lines lacking in substantial evidence.

The judge noted that the plaintiffs on alleged testing for per and polyfluoroalkyl chemicals (PFAS), were insufficiently detailed, lacking specific results or findings to support them. The judge also found that references to patent applications and product labels, which plaintiffs argued implied the presence of these chemicals, were speculative and failed to establish a plausible link to the presence of PFAS in the tampons.

January 11, 2024: Proposed Class Action Regarding PFAS In Kombucha

A woman has filed a proposed class action lawsuit against Health-Ade LLC in federal court in New York, alleging that the company deceptively markets its kombucha drinks as health products despite containing harmful levels of PFAS. This lawsuit is part of many legal actions concerning PFAS in various consumer items. Independent lab tests revealed PFAS chemicals in Health-Ade Ginger Pineapple Belly Reset and four other products. Morton asserts that PFAS exposure is linked to severe health risks, including cancer and liver damage, as outlined by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

The plaintiff’ in the class action is that she was misled by the company’s promotion of kombucha as supporting health, a happy gut, and being natural and organic. She argues that no reasonable consumer would expect a health-marketed product to contain dangerous PFAS, and she would not have purchased it if she had been aware of the substances and their risks.

January 10, 2024: New PFAS Lawsuit Filed In Southern Illinois

In the lawsuit filed in the United States District Court for the Southern District of Illinois, the plaintiff seeks to hold Tyco Fire Products LP, Chemguard, Inc., and several other defendants responsible for injuries he alleges were caused by their products. Specifically, the victim claims that these companies manufactured and sold per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) or products containing PFAS, including aqueous film-forming foam (AFFF), which led him to develop testicular cancer.

The man asserts that he was exposed to elevated levels of PFAS in his drinking water provided by the City of Wood River, where he was born and raised in Madison County, Illinois. So he hired a PFAS water contamination lawyer to file a lawsuit. He alleges that PFAS was discharged into the air and the water in the area where he lived. His claims focus on the impact of PFAS in AFFF, a product used by some defendants, including Tyco, which was manufactured by military specifications (MilSpec AFFF).

Based on Tyco’s claim under the federal “government contractor” defense, the case has been moved from the state court to the federal court. This defense, which is garbage and will not carry the day, argues that they are not liable for torts related to the design and manufacture of MilSpec AFFF because their actions were in line with military specifications and requirements. This defense is consistently misused, and this case is no exception.

January 8, 2024: Maine Users Of PFAS Must Notify DEP By March 1st

Companies and industrial sectors in Maine that use PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances) in their products must notify the state’s Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) by March 1.

This notification is the first step in complying with a state law that, effective January 1, 2030, will ban the sale and distribution of any product containing intentionally added PFAS unless the DEP deems it essential.

The DEP will create a draft list of products with essential PFAS uses by May, ahead of formal rulemaking.

Maine adopted this approach in 2021, becoming the first state to implement the European concept of restricting PFAS use to essential applications only. The law’s disclosure requirements led to requests for additional time from thousands of domestic and international businesses, including prominent companies like Abercrombie & Fitch, Campbell Soup, and Yamaha. These requests were partly due to delays in the state clarifying industry obligations, leading to a postponement of the disclosure mandate.

Notable PFAS compounds reported include perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA), classified as a human carcinogen, perfluorohexanoic acid (PFHxA), known to harm the liver, and polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), commonly known as Teflon. The law aims to limit PFAS usage to essential applications only, considering the associated health risks.

January 5, 2024: $1.185 Billion Settlement Moving Along

As you probably remember, DuPont, Chemours Co., and Corteva Inc. have proposed a $1.185 billion settlement to address national PFAS contamination issues.

The settlement is moving along nicely. Only seven out of more than 14,000 drinking water utilities have objected to this proposed settlement:

- - Broward County, Florida
  - City of Newburgh, New York
  - Widefield Water and Sanitation District, Colorado
  - City of Tacoma, Washington
  - City of Vancouver, Washington
  - North Texas Municipal Water District
  - City of DuPont, Washington

This is one of a few objections out of 4,000. Judge Gergel still needs to approve the settlement. But everyone seems to think that is a done deal, especially now.

But this settlement is not the end of the road. Less than 10% of plaintiffs are included in these preliminary settlements. Other plaintiff groups, including those in bellwether lawsuits against companies that produced PFAS-containing products, continue to move forward with their claims. These include lawsuits focusing on health impacts and environmental damage caused by PFAS exposure.

Additionally, attorneys representing 28 US states and territories have proposed a joint approach to address common legal issues raised by these governments. Their claims focus on public health and environmental harm, product liability, and allegations of illegal marketing practices related to PFAS products. They want to break off their claims, which I think would be good news for all plaintiffs.

January 4, 2024: Predictions For AFFF Lawsuits Into 2024

Will AFFF settle in 2024?

January 3, 2024: PFAS In Orange Juice

There is a lot of anger about PFAS in orange juice. But these are not viable lawsuits (yet).

December 13, 2023: Fifth Circuit Court Of Appeals Expedites Review Of Inhance Technologies LLC’s Challenge To EPA

The Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals has expedited the review of Inhance Technologies LLC’s challenge to the EPA.

These orders, set to take effect on February 28, 2024, demand that Inhance cease its PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances) production, a process involving fluorine gas on plastic containers. Inhance filed for this review on December 8, contesting the EPA’s directive on December 1. Concerned about the potential bankruptcy before the appeal. Inhance sought a speedy appeal and a stay on the orders, which the EPA, bending over backward to be fair, agreed not to oppose. So the Fifth Circuit has put these orders on hold.

Inhance Technologies uses a specific process to fluorinate plastic containers. The EPA is putting its foot down because it believes this releases harmful PFAS chemicals. In December 2023, the EPA ordered Inhance to stop this process, potentially putting their business at risk.

Inhance disputes the EPA’s order, claiming it lacks scientific backing and is unjust. They have initiated legal action, contending:

- 1. The EPA failed to adhere to correct protocols in issuing the directives.
  2. The case against their methods is insubstantial and does not warrant an abrupt cessation of operations.
  3. The implementation of these orders would cause significant harm to their business and interrupt supply chains.

The EPA has filed sealed orders elaborating on the risks posed by some PFAS and the scientific studies Inhance must conduct for permission to resume PFAS production. These orders discuss the potential health and environmental risks of PFAS found in various consumer and industrial products.

The district court will hold a video conference soon to manage this case further.

December 11, 2023: Upcoming Defence Policy Bill Mandates Greater Transparency Regarding Cleanups Of PFAS

This PFAS risk to our military is finally getting more attention. The upcoming defense policy bill mandates greater transparency from the Pentagon regarding its cleanups of PFAS.

The bill includes over $1 billion for environmental remediation of PFAS and other contaminants at military sites. It requires detailed reporting on PFAS-related expenditures, including testing, remediation, disposal, and community outreach. The Department of Defense (DoD) must also provide the Armed Services Committees with a schedule for PFAS testing and cleanup, including cost estimates. The bill also calls for a Government Accountability Office assessment of the DoD’s PFAS designations and remediation efforts.

There is no question that there has been frustration over slow and inadequate responses at military sites. The Camp Lejeune lawsuits helped bring issues to the forefront. Certainly, this is not enough, but it’s a start.

December 8, 2023: EPA Data Reveals 44 Million Americans Exposed To PFAS

New EPA data reveal that 44 million Americans are exposed to PFAS, toxic “forever chemicals,” in their drinking water, based on tests. This data, part of the EPA’s Contaminant Monitoring Rule, indicates widespread PFAS contamination, which is believed to be more extensive than reported. Environmental Working Group studies suggest over 200 million Americans might be affected. The EPA continues to collect data, with more results expected by 2025, highlighting the urgent need for action against PFAS contamination.

December 6, 2023: Minnesota To Focus On Preventing PFAS Pollution As More Cost-Effective Than Treatment

Minnesota focuses on preventing PFAS pollution as a more cost-effective strategy than treatment. The state highlights the high costs of treating wastewater for PFAS, which is unaffordable compared to the state budget. Current efforts include identifying PFAS sources, reducing their entry into wastewater plants, and exploring treatment methods like supercritical water oxidation. Additionally, Minnesota is enacting laws to ban non-essential PFAS uses, recognizing pollution prevention as significantly more efficient than engineered solutions.

December 5, 2023: Rhode Island DOH Proposes New Regulations Concerning Drinking Water

In Rhode Island, the Department of Health has proposed a new regulation concerning public drinking water (216-RICR-50-05-1). This regulation introduces new guidelines for monitoring and managing contamination levels in drinking water.

Key among these guidelines is requiring any newly built or significantly modified wells to conduct tests, including checks for PFAS levels. Should these tests reveal PFAS concentrations exceeding 20 parts per trillion (ppt), there is a mandatory obligation to notify the relevant authorities.

To put this “ppt” in context, one part per trillion equals one trillionth of a whole. So one part per trillion is like one drop of water diluted into 20 Olympic-sized swimming pools.

December 4, 2023: EPA Orders Inhance Technologies LLC To Cease Production Of Three PFASs

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has ordered Inhance Technologies LLC to cease production of three highly toxic per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) due to significant public health risks. The directive, effective February 28, 2024, also extends to another six PFAS that result from a process used to strengthen plastic containers, which inadvertently generate toxic chemicals like PFOA, PFNA, and PFDA.

This decision follows a 2020 investigation initiated by Public Employees for Environmental Responsibility (PEER), which revealed the presence of PFAS in a pesticide on plastic containers. The EPA’s action is a step in the right direction. It needs to do more.

December 1, 2023: IARC Declared That PFOA Causes Human Cancer

The IRAC has declared that Perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) causes human cancer. Another PFOS has been classified as “possibly “carcinogenic to humans.” These findings were published in the Lancet Oncology.

This update from IARC marks a change from its 2016 stance on PFOA, previously considered “possibly “carcinogenic,” and represents the agency’s agency’s view of PFOS.

This is a pretty big deal.

November 30, 2023: EPA Rescinds Approval For Chemours Co. To Import Waste Materials Containing PFAS

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has rescinded its approval for Chemours Co. to import waste materials containing PFAS from its factory in the Netherlands to a facility in North Carolina. This decision, communicated via email to Bloomberg Law, comes after considerable scrutiny and pressure from local, state, federal, and international entities. This scrutiny arose following the EPA’s initial EPA’s conditional approval in September for importing these wastes, which Chemours intended to recycle.

November 29, 2023: Ohio Reaches Proposed $110 Million Settlement

Ohio has reached a proposed $110 million settlement with DuPont de Nemours Inc., The Chemours Co., and Corteva Inc.

This settlement addresses the state’s claims against these companies for the environmental damage caused by their discharge of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) into the air and water from 1950 to 2013.

Ohio Governor Mike DeWine and other state officials have hailed the settlement as a significant victory for environmental restoration efforts.

November 28, 2023: 6th Circuit Dismisses PFAS Class Action Lawsuit

Yesterday, the 6th Circuit dismissed a PFAS class action lawsuit. The lawsuit – with Kevin Hardwick as the lead plaintiff – centered around trace amounts of five chemicals in his bloodstream, part of a widely used family in modern life. He could not identify the manufacturers of these chemicals or determine if they might cause future illness. Furthermore, he currently shows no sickness or symptoms from these chemicals.

Despite the lack of specific allegations against individual defendants, Hardwick filed a contaminated water lawsuit against ten companies, seeking to represent a huge class – nearly every person residing in the United States. The district court had earlier certified a class of about 11.8 million Ohio residents.

The defendants appealed, arguing that Hardwick lacked the standing to bring this case. The Sixth Circuit agreed with this argument and remanded the case with instructions to dismiss it, citing insufficient basis and lack of standing.

November 7, 2023: EPA Completes Development Of New Regulations Targeting Companies That Use PFAS

The EPA has completed the development of new regulations targeting companies that have used PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances) in their products.

This update was incorporated into the Toxic Substances Control Act, mandating that companies that have produced PFAS since early 2011 must now provide comprehensive reports to the EPA. These reports should detail usage, production volume, byproducts, disposal methods, and exposure levels.

September 30, 2022: Consumer Class Action Filed Against McDonald’s

Earlier this year, a consumer class action lawsuit was filed against McDonald’s that the fast-food icon has been selling food in packaging that contains harmful chemicals known as PFAS. PFAS are notoriously toxic to the human body, and studies have linked exposure to PFAS to various types of cancer, hormone abnormalities, and reproductive complications.

This PFAS lawsuit was filed in the Northern District of Illinois and alleges that McDonald’s represented to consumers that its food packaging is safe, sustainable, and non-toxic. McDonald’s motion to dismiss over the summer, challenging the validity of the plaintiff’s standing to represent the proposed class of consumers. The plaintiffs filed a response in opposition last week, and a hearing should be set in November.

September 21, 2022: Michigan Class Action Settles For $54 Million

3M and Wolverine World Wide agreed to settle a class action lawsuit for $54 million that alleges they caused the release of PFAS chemicals into the environment in Kent County, Michigan.

August 5, 2022: Opening Statment In Washington State In Another Bayer/Monsanto Trial

Opening statements on money in Washington state in another trial that claims Bayer/Monsanto caused neurological injuries to teachers and students at a school in western Washington.

July 28, 2022: New Study Suggests PFASs Will Cost Billions From Cancer And Other Diseases

A new study in the journal Exposure and Health tells us that two PFAS – perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS) and perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) – will cost us billions of dollars (and untold patient suffering) from cancer and other diseases.

This week, the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine recommended that doctors test patients at risk for high PFAS levels.

July 25, 2022: Coty And Noxell Fight Back Against Class Action

Coty and Noxell fought back against a class action lawsuit that claims these makeup manufacturers misled consumers that CoverGirl TruBlend Pressed Powder was safe, arguing in federal court in California that the plaintiffs suffered no physical injury. They claim the lawsuit’s claims about PFAS in the product were too general to support a claim.

November 23, 2024: Nantucket Residents File PFAS Lawsuit

October 24, 2024: Staggering Numbers

October 23, 2024: New Ulcerative Colitis Lawsuit

October 5, 2024: DOD

September 19, 2024: Texas Resident Files Lawsuit Alleging Contaminated Drinking Water

September 5, 2024: More Claims Involving Port Hueneme

Our lawyers are seeing more claims involving Port Hueneme Naval Base in California. We are investigating these claims.

August 29, 2024: New Study On Sources Of PFAS In Airway Heights

A new study concludes that both historical uses of firefighting foam at Fairchild Air Force Base and a local landfill could have contributed to the PFAS contamination in Airway Heights, Washington.

August 24, 2024: 7th Circuit Rules 3M PFAS Lawsuit Should Remain In State Court

The 7th Circuit ruled that an Illinois lawsuit against 3M regarding PFAS contamination should remain in state court.

August 15, 2024: Investigation Into PFAS At Mohawk And Shaw Facilities

Our legal team is actively investigating potential lawsuits related to PFAS chemical exposure at Mohawk and Shaw facilities.

August 8, 2024: Illinois PFAS Lawsuit Remanded To State Court

An Illinois lawsuit concerning PFAS pollution in the Mississippi River has been remanded to state court after 3M failed to demonstrate federal jurisdiction.

The U.S. Court of Appeals for the Seventh Circuit ruled that 3M did not have a viable federal defense against claims that it violated state laws by contaminating the river with PFAS.

August 6, 2024: 3M Removes PFAS Lawsuit To Federal Court

July 28, 2024: EPA To Begin Testing For PFAS Near Army Bases

The EPA will begin testing private drinking water wells for PFAS contamination near U.S. Army bases, as part of a pilot program announced on Friday.

The initiative, which may expand to other Army locations, aims to identify the presence of PFAS that could be leaking from military sites. The selected bases include:

- - Fort Liberty in North Carolina
  - Fort Hunter Ligett and Parks Reserve Forces Training Area in California
  - Fort Stewart and Fort Stewart—Hunter Army Airfield in Georgia
  - Fort Novosel in Alabama
  - Blue Grass Army Depot and Fort Campbell in Kentucky
  - Fort Sill and McAlester Army Ammunition Plant in Oklahoma

July 15, 2024: New Lawsuit Filed On Behalf Of Ohio Resident

July 9, 2024: New Lawsuit Filed Alleging PFAS In Band-Aid Products

July 1, 2024: New Lawsuit Alleges PFAS Contamination In Decatur, Alabama

A new water contamination lawsuit alleges that 3M, Toray, and Daikin have knowingly contaminated the environment with PFAS in Decatur, Alabama.

The plaintiff’s water sources, historically containing PFAS levels far exceeding the proposed safety limits, are cited as the cause of his prostate cancer.

The case was filed in Alabama state court and was removed to federal court by the defendants on Friday.

June 29, 2024: Map Of Drinking Water Problem Areas

Newsweek has a good map of the drinking water problem areas.

July 26, 2024: Proposed Class Action Alleges PFAS In Protective Firefighting Gear

Connecticut firefighters have filed a proposed class action lawsuit against 3M, DuPont, and 17 other companies, alleging exposure to harmful levels of PFAS in their protective gear.

June 10, 2024: Water Utility Associations Petition Federal Court To Challenge EPA’s Limits On PFAS In Drinking Water

May 30, 2024: New Investigation Into 3M’s Awareness Of PFAS Health Risks

A new investigation has shed new light on how 3M was aware for decades of the severe health risks posed by PFAS and yet chose to ignore warnings and suppress information.

May 28, 2024: New PFAS Lawsuit Filed By Alabama Woman

The plaintiff claims that this water, contaminated with PFAS, led to her diagnosis of hypothyroidism. She seeks damages for the injuries caused by the defendants’ negligent and reckless actions, which resulted in the contamination of her drinking water. The lawsuit includes counts of negligence, wantonness, private nuisance, battery, and fraudulent concealment.

The case was filed in Alabama state court but will be removed to federal court.

May 22, 2024: South Carolina MDL To Settle For $316.5 Million

We are slowly, thankfully, getting rid of these water contamination lawsuits so there can be more focus on the personal injury claims.

April 19, 2024: EPA Finalizes Rule Aimed At Facilitating Cleanups ff Contaminated Sites

April 15, 2024: Philadelphia Resident Alleges Contaminated Drinking Water Caused Kidney Cancer

April 14, 2024: Tyco Fire Joins Agreement to Settle Substantial Amount ff PFAS Lawsuits

April 13, 2024: Federal Court Rules Vermont’s Lawsuit Against 3M Will Remain Under State Jurisdiction

April 11, 2024: Significant Shift in Firefighting Gear

April 8, 2024: Class Action Initiated Alleging Nonstick Cookware Contains PFAS

Two plaintiffs have initiated a class action lawsuit on behalf of themselves and others in federal court in New York against Brumis Imports, Inc., alleging that the company’s Brooklyn Steel-branded nonstick cookware contains per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS).

These chemicals are known for their health risks and environmental persistence. Despite promoting the cookware as healthy and environmentally friendly, the lawsuit contends that Brumis Imports failed to disclose the presence of PFAS in their products, contrary to their marketing claims.

This lawsuit follows the company’s own disclosure of PFAS use in their products to the Maine Department of Environmental Protection, which was later made public by the advocacy group Defend Our Health. The plaintiffs are seeking damages and injunctive relief for violations of New York’s General Business Law, fraud, and other claims.

April 2, 2024: Pennsylvania Resident Files Lawsuit Against 3M

April 1, 2024: Judge Approves 3M PFAS Drinking Water Settlement

As expected, Judge Gergel greenlit 3M PFAS drinking water settlement on Friday.

Krakauer has been given three weeks to amend his complaint.

March 21, 2024: New PFAS Lawsuit Filed In AFFF MDL

During her life, she was regularly exposed to PFAS products manufactured by the defendant, 3M. This exposure led to a breast cancer diagnosis, which ultimately caused her death.

March 8, 2024: EPA Releases Draft Analysis Concerning Health Hazards of PFNA

PFNA is primarily used in the production of polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF), commonly used in industrial equipment.

March 7, 2024: EPA Addresses Navy About PFAS Contamination In Hawaii

March 5, 2024: Coty Inc. Successfully Defends Against PFAS Lawsuit

March 4, 2024: Connecticut Residents File Proposed Class Action Against Kimberly-Clark Corp.

The complaint outlines two proposed classes: one for property owners affected by the contamination and another for those who ingested the contaminants.

February 27, 2024: U.S. Government Submits Motions To District Court Of South Carolilna

These motions respond to claims of nationwide environmental harm and damage alleged by the state of New Mexico and four dairy farms, which they attribute to activities at Cannon Air Force Base. The government argues for the dismissal of New Mexico’s claims due to lack of subject-matter jurisdiction under section 113(h) of CERCLA. This section restricts federal courts from hearing challenges to ongoing cleanup efforts. I’m not sure why a civil lawsuit for the damages relates to the Air Force’s ongoing investigation and remediation efforts at CAFB and why money damages for the harm caused would interfere with these efforts.

Should the court side with the federal government, absolving it of liability – I don’t think it will – water contamination lawyers will change gears and file against the PFAS makers.

February 26, 2024: Illinois Resident Files New PFAS Lawsuit

February 25, 2024: Policymakers Set To Review Over 450 Bills Targeting Toxic Chemicals

The movement gains momentum from diverse groups including firefighters, farmers, and families, aiming to mitigate the risks associated with petrochemicals and toxic materials. Additionally, at least 25 states will contemplate laws to curb plastic pollution and waste, while no fewer than 15 states are expected to examine regulations on harmful chemicals in cosmetics, alongside other environmental health issues like microplastics in drinking water and chemical disclosure. This effort reflects a broader push towards eliminating toxic substances from consumer products and adopting safer alternatives.

February 15, 2024: Seneca County Files Federal Lawsuit Against Former Army Depot In New York

February 14, 2024: Carneys Point Township Seeks To Delay Final Approval Of $393 Million Settlement

February 9, 2024: North Carolina Court Rules E.I. Du Pont De Nemours And Co. Subsidiaries May Be Accountable For PFAS Contamination

February 2, 2024: EPS Proposed Two Significant Rules Addressing Managment Of Hazardous Wastes

The EPA has proposed two significant waste rules aimed at addressing the management of hazardous wastes, including specific PFAS chemicals.

These initiatives would empower the EPA, alongside state and local governments, to mandate investigations and remediation efforts for PFAS contamination.

February 1, 2024: New PFAS Lawsuit Filed By Village Of Johnson City

This PFAS lawsuit outlines two primary claims:

- 1. Continuing Public Nuisance: It is argued that USAF Plant 59’s actions and inactions have unreasonably and significantly interfered with the common rights of the Village and its residents and businesses to a safe source of drinking water. This interference is said to have caused detrimental effects on public health, welfare, safety, comfort, and convenience, thus constituting a public nuisance. The Plant is accused of failing to remove PFAS contamination or to stop its migration to the Village’s water supply, thereby perpetuating this nuisance.
  2. Continuing Trespass: The Village alleges that the PFAS contamination from USAF Plant 59 has unlawfully migrated onto its property used for collecting drinking water, constituting a trespass and unlawful interference with its property rights. The complaint states that USAF Plant 59 has not taken adequate steps to remove the contamination or prevent its ongoing migration, thus continuing the trespass against the Village’s property rights.

January 31, 2024: 3rd Circuit Deliberates On Whether EPA’s Health Advisory For PFAS Constitutes Legal Requirement

The Chemours Company is challenging the 2022 advisory, which suggests that concentrations above ten parts per trillion in drinking water may pose health risks, such as liver abnormalities.

We discuss this case more in our January 2nd update below.

This is a big ruling. It will probably come faster than most 3rd Circuit rulings.

January 28, 2024: PFAS Levels In Military Bases

- - Altus Air Force Base (Oklahoma): 1 million ppt
  - Barksdale Air Force Base (Louisiana): 1 million ppt
  - Charleston Air Force Base (South Carolina): 1 million ppt
  - England Air Force Base (Louisiana): 21 million ppt
  - Langley Air Force Base (Virginia): 2 million ppt
  - Myrtle Beach Air Force Base (South Carolina): 3 million ppt
  - Naval Air Station Jacksonville (Florida): 1 million ppt
  - Naval Air Weapons Station China Lake (California): 8 million ppt
  - Patrick Air Force Base (Florida): 4 million ppt
  - Port Hueneme Naval Base (California): 1 million ppt

January 23, 2024: New PFAS Lawsuit From Alabama Residents

January 19, 2024: Sixth Circuit Court To Not Reconsider Previous Decision That Vacated Class Certification

See the November 28th update below for more information.

January 18, 2024: New Clinician Guidelines On PFAS

January 16, 2024: Judge Dismisses Two PFAS Class Actions

U.S. District Judge Araceli Martínez-Olguín of the Northern District of California has dismissed two class action lawsuits alleging that certain tampon brands contain harmful “forever chemicals.” She ruled in favor of Edgewell Personal Care, finding the cases concerning O.B. Organic and Playtex Gentle Glide product lines lacking in substantial evidence.

January 11, 2024: Proposed Class Action Regarding PFAS In Kombucha

January 10, 2024: New PFAS Lawsuit Filed In Southern Illinois

In the lawsuit filed in the United States District Court for the Southern District of Illinois, the plaintiff seeks to hold Tyco Fire Products LP, Chemguard, Inc., and several other defendants responsible for injuries he alleges were caused by their products. Specifically, the victim claims that these companies manufactured and sold per- and poly-fluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) or products containing PFAS, including aqueous film-forming foam (AFFF), which led him to develop testicular cancer.

January 8, 2024: Maine Users Of PFAS Must Notify DEP By March 1st

Companies and industrial sectors in Maine that use PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances) in their products must notify the state’s Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) by March 1.

The DEP will create a draft list of products with essential PFAS uses by May, ahead of formal rulemaking.

Maine adopted this approach in 2021, becoming the first state to implement the European concept of restricting PFAS use to essential applications only. The law’s disclose requirements led to requests for additional time from thousands of domestic and international businesses, including prominent companies like Abercrombie & Fitch, Campbell Soup, and Yamaha. These requests were partly due to delays in the state clarifying industry obligations, leading to a postponement of the disclosure mandate.

January 5, 2024: $1.185 Billion Settlement Moving Along

As you probably remember, DuPont, Chemours Co., and Corteva Inc. have proposed a $1.185 billion settlement to address national PFAS contamination issues.

The settlement is moving along nicely. Only seven out of more than 14,000 drinking water utilities have objected to this proposed settlement:

- - Broward County, Florida
  - City of Newburgh, New York
  - Widefield Water and Sanitation District, Colorado
  - City of Tacoma, Washington
  - City of Vancouver, Washington
  - North Texas Municipal Water District
  - City of DuPont, Washington

This is one of a few objections out of 4,000. Judge Gergel still needs to approve the settlement. But everyone seems to think that is a done deal, especially now.

January 4, 2024: Predictions For AFFF Lawsuits Into 2024

Will AFFF settle in 2024?

January 3, 2024: PFAS In Orange Juice

There is a lot of anger about PFAS in orange juice. But these are not viable lawsuits (yet).

December 13, 2023: Fifth Circuit Court Of Appeals Expedites Review Of Inhance Technologies LLC’s Challenge To EPA

The Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals has expedited the review of Inhance Technologies LLC’s challenge to the EPA.

These orders, set to take effect on February 28, 2024, demand Inhance to cease its PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances) production, a process involving fluorine gas on plastic containers. Inhance filed for this review on December 8, contesting the EPA’s directive on December 1. Concerned about the potential bankruptcy before the appeal. Inhance sought a speedy appeal and a stay on the orders, which the EPA, bending over backward to be fair, agreed not to oppose. So the Fifth Circuit has put these orders on hold.

Inhance disputes the EPA’s order, claiming they lack scientific backing and are unjust. They have initiated legal action, contending:

- 1. The EPA failed to adhere to correct protocols in issuing the directives.
  2. The case against their methods is insubstantial and does not warrant an abrupt cessation of operations.
  3. The implementation of these orders would cause significant harm to their business and interrupt supply chains.

The district court will hold a video conference soon to manage this case further.

December 11, 2023: Upcoming Defence Policy Bill Mandates Greater Transparency Regarding Cleanups Of PFAS

This PFAS risk to our military is finally getting more attention. The upcoming defense policy bill mandates greater transparency from the Pentagon regarding its cleanups of PFAS.

December 8, 2023: EPA Data Reveals 44 Million Americans Exposed To PFAS

New EPA data reveals that 44 million Americans are exposed to PFAS, toxic “forever chemicals,” in their drinking water, based on tests. This data, part of the EPA’s Contaminant Monitoring Rule, indicates widespread PFAS contamination, which is believed to be more extensive than reported. Environmental Working Group studies suggest over 200 million Americans might be affected. The EPA continues to collect data, with more results expected by 2025, highlighting the urgent need for action against PFAS contamination.

December 6, 2023: Minnesota To Focus On Preventing PFAS Pollution As More Cost-Effective Than Treatment

December 5, 2023: Rhode Island DOH Proposes New Regulations Concerning Drinking Water

To put this “ppt” in context, one part per trillion equals one trillionth of a whole. So one part per trillion is like one drop of water diluted into 20 Olympic-sized swimming pools.

December 4, 2023: EPA Orders Inhance Technologies LLC To Cease Production Of Three PFASs

December 1, 2023: IARC Declared That PFOA Causes Human Cancer

This update from IARC marks a change from its 2016 stance on PFOA, previously considered “possibly “carcinogenic,” and represents the agency’s agency’s view of PFOS.

This is a pretty big deal.

November 30, 2023: EPA Rescinds Approval For Chemours Co. To Import Waste Materials Containing PFAS

November 29, 2023: Ohio Reaches Proposed $110 Million Settlement

Ohio has reached a proposed $110 million settlement with DuPont de Nemours Inc., The Chemours Co., and Corteva Inc.

Ohio Governor Mike DeWine and other state officials have hailed the settlement as a significant victory for environmental restoration efforts.

November 28, 2023: 6th Circuit Dismisses PFAS Class Action Lawsuit

November 7, 2023: EPA Completes Development Of New Regulations Targeting Companies That Use PFAS

The EPA has completed the development of new regulations targeting companies that have used PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances) in their products.

September 30, 2022: Consumer Class Action Filed Against McDonalds

September 21, 2022: Michigan Class Action Settles For $54 Million

3M and Wolverine World Wide agreed to settle a class action lawsuit for $54 million that alleges they caused the release of PFAS chemicals into the environment in Kent County, Michigan.

August 5, 2022: Opening Statment In Washington State In Another Bayer/Monsanto Trial

Opening statements on money in Washington state in another trial that claims Bayer/Monsanto caused neurological injuries to teachers and students at a school in western Washington.

July 28, 2022: New Study Suggests PFASs Will Cost Billions From Cancer And Other Diseases

This week, the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine recommended that doctors test patients at risk for high PFAS levels.

July 25, 2022: Coty And Noxell Fight Back Against Class Action

Frequently Asked Questions About PFAS Water Contamination Lawsuits

PFAS contamination has become one of the biggest environmental and public health crises in recent history, affecting drinking water, military bases, and entire communities. Thousands of lawsuits have been filed against manufacturers like 3M, DuPont, and Chemours, as well as claims targeting the U.S. government for mishandling toxic firefighting foam. If you’ve been exposed to PFAS and developed serious health conditions like cancer or thyroid disease, you may be eligible for compensation.

Below our attorneys break down the most common questions about PFAS water contamination lawsuits, including who qualifies, expected settlement amounts, and why some cases are stronger than others.

What’s the Strongest PFAS Personal Injury Lawsuit Right Now?

Certain cases are way stronger than others, based on scientific evidence and exposure history. The best PFAS lawsuits involve:

✔ Kidney cancer lawsuits (strongest link to PFAS exposure)
✔ Testicular cancer lawsuits (especially in firefighters and military personnel)
✔ Thyroid disease lawsuits (new studies make this a strong claim)
✔ Ulcerative colitis lawsuits (often overlooked and likely lower settlement amounts but the science is really strong)

If you’ve been diagnosed with one of these conditions and had PFAS exposure, your case is worth serious money.

Will the Military Pay for PFAS Exposure at Bases Like Camp Lejeune?

Right now, military base water contamination lawsuits focus more on holding manufacturers like 3M, DuPont, and Chemours liable, not the Department of Defense (DoD) itself. But recent legal developments suggest a shift toward direct accountability for the military. In February 2025, the PFAS MDL judge indicated that Cannon Air Force Base in New Mexico might be liable for certain PFAS releases, particularly those deemed preventable and non-mission critical. This perspective challenges the traditional immunity often claimed by the military under the discretionary function exception of the Federal Tort Claims Act. As a result, we may see an increase in lawsuits directly targeting the DoD for environmental contamination caused by its operations.

Will My PFAS Drinking Water Lawsuit Be Part of a Mass Settlement?

Probably. PFAS lawsuits are following the same path as past mass torts like Roundup, asbestos, and Camp Lejeune—a flood of lawsuits, a handful of trials, then a massive global settlement.

✔ Bellwether trials set the bar for damages.
✔ Defendants lose big (or, more likely, see the writing on the wall and settle before the first trial).
✔ A settlement fund is created, with compensation tiers for different injuries (which we flush out more below)

The key? Having the “right type” of PFAS exposure (military base, firefighter, contaminated tap water) and a diagnosed condition already strongly linked to PFAS (kidney cancer, testicular cancer, ulcerative colitis, etc.).

What Is the Catch with PFAS Class Action Lawsuits?

Let’s be real—most PFAS class action lawsuits will not get you a huge settlement payout. These lawsuits typically cover:

✔ Consumer fraud claims (Did you buy a product that contained PFAS without knowing it?)
✔ Municipality claims (Cities and states suing for cleanup costs)

If you developed cancer from PFAS exposure, a personal injury lawsuit is the way to go. Individual claims will see way higher settlements than a PFAS class action lawsuit.

How Much Will PFAS Lawsuit Settlements Pay for Cancer Cases?

We get this question a lot, and we discuss it in more granular detail below. This is our prediction:

Top-tier cases (kidney cancer, testicular cancer, pancreatic cancer, thyroid disease) could see $150,000 – $375,000+ per claim.
Mid-tier cases (ulcerative colitis, immune disorders) could settle in the $75,000 – $180,000 range.
Lower-tier claims may get less, but are still worth pursuing.

The best settlements will go to plaintiffs with clear exposure history (military bases, firefighters, water systems with high PFAS levels). If you’re in that category, your case is valuable.

Why Are Firefighters Filing PFAS Lawsuits?

Because they’ve been exposed to insanely high levels of PFAS—and the evidence is overwhelming.

🔥 Firefighting foam (AFFF) is loaded with PFAS.
🔥 Firefighter protective gear contains PFAS.
🔥 Studies link firefighter PFAS exposure to increased cancer risks.

Firefighters did not sign up to be poisoned. The manufacturers of AFFF knew about PFAS risks for decades but covered it up. That’s why these cases are strong, and settlement payouts will likely be significant.

About PFAS

PFAS are per-fluoroalkyl and poly-fluoroalkyl substances. These synthetic chemicals are known for their ability to resist grease, water, and oils. The two most common types of PFAS are perfluorooctane sulfonate (“PFOS”) an“ perluorooctanoic acid (“PFOA”).

PFAS has been around for over 60 years and during that time they have been widely used in a number for a number of industrial and consumer purposes. PFAS were used in non-stick cookware, stain-resistant fabrics, cleaning products, and paints. The most significant use of PFAS, however, was in aqueous film-forming foam (“AFFF”) commonly called firefighting foam.

PFAS are called “forever chemicals” because ”hey have proven highly resistant to almost any environmental degradation. As a result, when PFAS are introduced into the environment, they never degrade, get diluted, or go away.

PFAS Contamination in Groundwater

In recent years, environmental studies and testing have identified widespread PFAS contamination of groundwater across the United States. Groundwater is highly susceptible to PFAS contamination because of these chemical properties.

PFAS can easily be released into the environment at any location where the chemicals are manufactured, used, disposed of or spilled. PFAS are highly mobile chemicals so once released into the environment they are easily transported by rainwater run-off. By this route, PFAS end up in lakes, ponds and reservoirs. PFAS also seep through the soil (where they are not filtered like other chemicals) and end up in the groundwater.

Groundwater contamination with PFAS is widespread near areas where PFAS were manufactured. Water contamination is also highly likely near locations where PFAS products were regularly used or disposed of. For example, airports are frequent contamination sites because firefighting foam is frequently used in training exercises. Once the firefighting foam is sprayed, the PFAS make their way into the groundwater with minimal dilution.

Drinking Water Standards

Drinking water standards in the United States have a long history, stretching back more than a century. The earliest formal standards were established by the U.S. Public Health Service in 1914. At that time, the primary focus was on ensuring that the water supply was free of harmful bacteria, specifically targeting bacterial plate count and coliform bacteria. These early efforts laid the groundwork for a more structured approach to regulating water safety, though they were limited by the scientific understanding of the time.

As the understanding of waterborne contaminants expanded, so too did the scope of the regulations. By 1925, some inorganic constituents were added to the list of harmful substances that required regulation, recognizing that harmful chemicals, not just bacteria, could pose serious health risks. The regulations evolved further in 1942, reflecting a growing awareness of different pollutants.

A significant milestone came in 1963 with the publication of the Water Quality Criteria, which became a reference point for water safety standards. This document provided a comprehensive list of the water pollutants known at the time and their potential health impacts. One of the chemicals it highlighted was trichloroethylene (TCE), a solvent widely used in industrial processes. Even in 1963, TCE was recognized as a substance that could have serious health consequences if it contaminated drinking water. The Water Quality Criteria identified chlorinated hydrocarbons, the chemical family to which TCE belongs, as pollutants that posed significant risks to human health.

This evolving understanding of what makes drinking water unsafe has continued to shape regulations over the decades, with increasingly sophisticated methods for detecting and regulating both biological and chemical contaminants.

TCE and Drinking Water

TCE is the most common organic contaminant in groundwater, the source of 93% of public water systems. TCE is present in up to one-third of our drinking water sources.

TCE levels in private wells (used for crop irrigation and drinking water for about 10% of Americans) are not monitored. Contact with TCE can be elevated for people using TCE-containing cleaning products, residents of some industrialized areas, or people living near facilities where TCE is released in a sanctioned or unsanctioned manner into the soil, groundwater, and/or drinking water wells.

Safe Drinking Water Act and MCLs

The Safe Drinking Water Act (SDWA), enacted in 1974, established comprehensive drinking water safety standards in the United States. This landmark legislation mandated the implementation of both primary and secondary drinking water standards to ensure water quality and public health protection. Under the SDWA, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is tasked with setting Maximum Contaminant Levels (MCLs), which are enforceable standards specifying the maximum permissible amount of a contaminant in public water systems.

An MCL is derived from the Maximum Contaminant Level Goal (MCLG), which represents the level at which no known or expected health effects occur, allowing a margin of safety. Notably, the MCLG for carcinogens is set at zero, reflecting a zero-tolerance policy for cancer-causing substances in drinking water.

The EPA’s regulation of MCLs primarily targets a variety of hazardous contaminants, including pesticides, trihalomethanes (a byproduct of chlorine disinfection), and several chlorinated solvents. These solvents include vinyl chloride, trichloroethylene, perchloroethylene, dichloroethylene, and benzene. Such contaminants are central issues in high-profile environmental litigation, such as the Camp Lejeune toxic water lawsuit.

The MCLs are crucial tools in the EPA’s arsenal to combat water pollution and safeguard drinking water from chemical hazards, reflecting ongoing efforts to protect public health from the adverse effects of contaminated water supplies.

PFAS Are Linked to Cancer and Other Health Hazards

Current scientific research has determined that long-term exposure to high levels of PFAS can lead to cancer and other adverse health conditions. Scientific studies have conclusively found that exposure to PFAS at certain levels can lead to:

Increased risk of prostate cancer, kidney cancer, and testicular cancer.
Damage to reproductive health, including infertility
Pregnancy complications
Developmental problems in children, including loss of bone density and accelerated puberty
Immune system problems
Ulcerative colitis
Thyroid disease

The development of cancer and other health conditions can occur years after individual exposure to PFAS.

In 2016, the National Toxicology Program of the United States Department of Health and Human Services (“NTP”) and the International Agency for Research on Cancer (“IARC”) both released extensive analyses of the expanding body of research regarding the adverse effects of PFAS. The NTP concluded that both PFOA and PFOS are “presumed “o be an immune hazard to humans” based on ”a “consistent pattern of findings” of adverse immune effects in human (epidemiology) studies and “high confidence” that PFO” and PFOS exposure was 28 associated with suppression of immune responses in animal (toxicology) studies.

IARC similarly concluded that there is “evidence “of “the ”acidogenicity of . . . PFOA” in human” and experimental animals, meaning that “[a] positive association has been observed between exposure to the agent and cancer for which a causal interpretation is credible.”

Location of PFAS Water Contamination

PFAS water contamination has been discovered across the U.S. As of October 2021, 2,854 locations in the United States were confirmed as known PFAS water contamination sites. PFAS contamination has been found not only in groundwater sources but also in numerous municipal water supply systems. PFAS has contaminated municipal water systems in 33 states and groundwater in 38 states. An estimated 16 million people have been exposed to drinking water contaminated with PFAS.

The most common locations for PFAS water contamination are near military bases, industrial sites, and airports. Firefighting foam has been used in training exercises at U.S. military bases and commercial airports for decades. This foam eventually made its way into the water systems. A 2020 Department of Defense report identified 600 military sites and surrounding areas with PFAS water contamination.

DOD Report Shows Widespread PFAS Water Contamination at Military Bases

As you can see from this image, there is no question that water contamination on and near military bases is a problem. Last week, the Department of Defense released a report detailing the results of a testing program to evaluate the quality of water supply at and near U.S. military bases in seven states (Florida, Pennsylvania, Montana, Washington, Michigan, Wisconsin, and Virginia). The testing was performed on drinking water samples for off-base locations adjacent to or “down gradient” from military bases or facilities.

The DOD water testing report reveals that the drinking water in many of these off-base locations is highly contaminated with PFAS. Testing near seven military installations found that the water supply had PFAS well over 70 parts per billion, the maximum safe level set by the EPA. The PFAS contamination at these locations is primarily the result of training operations using firefighting foam containing PFAS.

The seven specific military sites named in the DOD report as having water supply PFAS levels over 70 ppb included the Willow Grove Naval Air Station in Pennsylvania, the Camp Grayling Army Airfield in Michigan, and the Naval Air Station at Whidbey Island in Washington. PFAS have been found in the water supply at almost 400 military bases around the country, and environmental activist groups say that contamination is suspected, but not confirmed, at hundreds of additional sites.

PFAS Water Contamination Lawsuits

Over the last several years, a growing number of lawsuits have been filed against the manufacturers of PFAS and products containing PFAS. These lawsuits have been filed both by local municipalities alleging that their water systems were polluted and by individuals who claim that they developed cancer or other health conditions from drinking contaminated water.

The defendants in these PFAS water contamination lawsuits include many large chemical manufacturers and other industrial companies. Some of the most prominent companies named primary defendants in the PFAS water contamination lawsuits include 3M & Co. and DuPont. 3M manufactured and sold AFFF firefighting foam containing PFAS from 1970 to 2012. DuPont and its corporate spin-offs have manufactured PFAS and supplied them to other companies, like 3M, since the 1940s.

In addition to the PFAS lawsuits being filed by municipalities, thousands of individuals have filed their own PFAS water contamination lawsuits. These lawsuits allege that the plaintiffs consumed drinking water contaminated by PFAS and developed cancer and other adverse health conditions as a result of this exposure to PFAS in their water supply.

Our la””ers are looking at PFAS lawsuits with the following injuries diagnosed after January 1, 2000

Bladder Cancer
Pancreatic Cancer
Kidney Cancer
Testicular Cancer
Kidney Cancer
Ulcerative Colitis

Our attorneys are also focused on specific geographic regions for a PFAS lawsuit:

Michigan
New Jersey
California (20 miles from San Jose or East Los Angeles)
Ohio (20 miles from Cleveland)
Colorado (20 miles from Denver or Colorado Springs)
Minnesota (20 miles of Minneapolis)

Norfolk PFAS Water Contamination

The water in Norfolk is a growing concern. Our water contamination lawyers’ investigation specifically targets key areas within the city known for potential PFAS contributions:

Naval Station Norfolk: As the world’s largest naval station, significant attention is directed towards the use and disposal of PFAS-containing materials, primarily firefighting foams used in training and emergency responses. Concerns revolve around how these substances have infiltrated local water systems through runoff and groundwater seepage.
Norfolk Industrial Sector: Concentrated along the Elizabeth River, this sector includes manufacturing and chemical processing plants with histories of PFAS usage in various applications. The focus is on how waste handling and emissions from these facilities contribute to PFAS levels in nearby water bodies.
Wastewater Treatment Facilities: Investigations are examining the effectiveness of Norfolk’s wastewater treatment in removing PFAS before discharging into waterways. This includes assessing the uptake and retention of PFAS in sewage sludge, which might be applied as fertilizer or disposed of in landfills, potentially reintroducing PFAS into the environment.
Residential Areas: Given the widespread use of PFAS in consumer products, the investigation also encompasses residential contributions through domestic waste, focusing on urban runoff and leaching into municipal water systems.

Harford County PFAS Water Contamination

Hartford County, a rural and quiet Maryland county, is drawing increasing concern for its drinking water. There are many known sources of PFAS:

The Harford County PFAS Water Contamination Investigation zeroes in on specific areas and sources within the county that are potential hotspots for PFAS contamination:

Aberdeen Proving Ground: A key focus is on this military installation due to its historical use of PFAS-containing firefighting foams. The investigation scrutinizes how these chemicals have migrated from training sites into the local aquifers and surface waters, posing risks to both the environment and public health.
Industrial Facilities in the Greater Edgewood Area: This region hosts several facilities engaged in chemical manufacturing and processing that historically utilized PFAS. The detailed inquiry assesses how improper disposal or leaks may have contributed to the elevated PFAS levels found in nearby streams and drinking water sources.
Municipal Water Systems and Treatment Plants: Special attention is given to the systems handling the county’s drinking water, particularly in how they manage, treat, and monitor water for PFAS contamination. The effectiveness of current filtration systems to remove PFAS is being evaluated, alongside potential upgrades to meet safety standards.
Landfills and Waste Management Sites: The investigation also covers landfills where industrial and municipal waste might have introduced PFAS into the groundwater. This involves examining historical waste disposal practices and current leachate management systems to prevent further contamination.

By pinpointing these specific areas of concern, Harford County aims to not only map the extent of PFAS contamination but also develop targeted remediation strategies. The ultimate goal is to reduce PFAS levels within the water supply to safe limits, ensuring public health protection and compliance with environmental regulations.

Maryland PFAS Water Contamination Investigation

Maryland is becoming a hotbed for concern about water contamination. The focus includes:

Aberdeen Proving Ground: Known for military testing and training activities that have historically included the use of PFAS-containing firefighting foams. This Hartford County site is under investigation for its impact on the surrounding water bodies and groundwater systems.
Patuxent River Naval Air Station: Another military site where PFAS use in training exercises and emergency response scenarios has led to concerns about leaching into local water supplies.
Edgewood Area Landfills: Given the proximity to industrial zones, local landfills are being scrutinized for their role in PFAS contamination. Waste from industrial processes known to contain PFAS might have been disposed of here, posing a risk of leaching into groundwater.
Baltimore Industrial Area: This region hosts a range of manufacturing facilities, including chemical plants and textile manufacturers, that have used PFAS in their production processes. Investigations are concentrated on how waste management practices at these plants may have contributed to water contamination.
Belcamp and Riverside Areas: These areas are home to various industrial facilities that have engaged in activities likely to involve PFAS, including electronics manufacturing and chemical processing. Investigations are aimed at assessing the extent of industrial contributions to PFAS levels in the local water systems.
Curtis Bay: Known for its concentration of industrial operations, including waste treatment and processing facilities that may have handled PFAS materials, leading to potential groundwater and Chesapeake Bay contamination.
Hagerstown Landfill: The landfill is scrutinized due to the disposal of industrial waste containing PFAS, which could leach into the groundwater affecting the local community’s water sources.

PFAS Water Contamination Lawsuit Updates & Legal Developments

1940s

PFAS Chemicals First Developed

3M and DuPont begin developing perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances for military and industrial use. The chemicals quickly gain popularity due to their heat, water, grease-resistant properties—and how cheap they are.

1960s

Firefighting Foam (AFFF) Introduced

The U.S. Navy and 3M develop aqueous film-forming foam (AFFF), a firefighting foam that contains PFAS. This product is widely used at military bases and airports, unknowingly contaminating groundwater for decades and exposing firefighters to cancer-causing chemicals.

1970s

PFAS Found in Human Blood

Internal company studies confirm PFAS chemicals accumulate in human blood. Despite this growing understanding that would famously label these “forever chemicals”, production continues, leading to long-term environmental contamination.

1998

EPA Receives First Warning About PFAS

3M notifies the EPA of the now obvious: PFAS chemicals are toxic and bioaccumulative. The agency begins to assess the risks but takes no immediate regulatory action.

2001

First Major PFAS Lawsuit Filed

A class action lawsuit against DuPont alleges that PFAS-contaminated drinking water in Parkersburg, West Virginia, has caused severe health problems. This case, filed 24 years ago, becomes a major milestone in PFAS litigation.

2016

EPA Issues PFAS Health Advisory

The EPA sets a health advisory limit for PFAS at 70 parts per trillion (ppt) in drinking water. But the regulation has no teeth: no enforceable regulations are implemented, and contamination continues across the U.S.

2020

First Nationwide PFAS Water Contamination Lawsuit MDL

The PFAS class action lawsuit MDL (MDL No. 2873) is formed, consolidating hundreds of contaminated water lawsuits. This allows for streamlined pretrial proceedings for PFAS water contamination lawsuit claims in hope of this MDL being a smooth path to a global PFAS settlement.

2023

3M & DuPont Settle for $10.3 Billion

3M and DuPont agree to a historic $10.3 billion PFAS lawsuit settlement for public water systems contaminated with PFAS. What prompted them to off this settlement? A looming trial date which is exactly what we think will trigger a settlement in the personal injury and wrongful death lawsuits.

February 2024

EPA Sets First Enforceable PFAS Limits

The EPA announces new federal drinking water standards, limiting PFAS to 4 ppt, finally making these regulations enforceable. This decision strengthens PFAS drinking water lawsuits.

January 2025

New PFAS Cancer Study Links Exposure to Increased Risk

A new study links PFAS tap water contamination to increased risks of kidney, thyroid, and pancreatic cancers. The findings bolster PFAS kidney cancer lawsuits and PFAS thyroid lawsuit claims.

February 2025

First Bellwether Trials Scheduled

The first PFAS personal injury lawsuit trials are set for late 2025. These cases will be critical in determining future PFAS lawsuit settlements and compensation for victims.But our lawyers’ thinking is that we will see a global settlement before any of these lawsuits go to trial. The defendants wisely backed down on the municipality lawsuits and this will likely be the same scenario with most firefighter and individual water contamination lawsuits.

Estimated Settlement Value of PFAS Water Contamination Lawsuits

The PFAS water contamination lawsuits will likely be resolved in a global settlement. In these settlements, the defendants pay a large sum of money to resolve all pending cases. The amount of settlement money that individual plaintiffs receive is based on a tiered system in which plaintiffs are ranked based on specific criteria (severity of injuries, the strength of claim, etc.).

In the PFAS water contamination lawsuits, plaintiffs in the top settlement tier will be those with long-term exposure and a diagnosis of severe, advanced-stage cancers that have been closely linked to PFAS. These would include kidney, prostate, and testicular cancer. Second-tier plaintiffs will be those with less severe health conditions.

Based on global settlements in previous mass tort cases involving similar claims, we estimate that top-tier PFAS water contamination lawsuits could have a settlement amounts of around $150,000 to $375,000. Second-tier cases may have a value range of $75,000 to $180,000.

Getting a PFAS Water Contamination Lawyer

Our law firm represents contaminated drinking water victims on a contingency fee basis. For you, there is no out-of-pocket cost or risk for you to hire a lawyer to fight for you. Our PFAS attorneys receive no fees or expenses unless a financial recovery is obtained.

Call our PFAS lawyers today at 800-553-8082 or get a no-obligation free consultation online.