Lawsuit for Perfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS) Government Remediation

Perfluoroalkyl substances show up in many industrial processes, manufacturing operations, and everyday household products, often combined with other chemical compounds. Known more simply as PFAS, this group of chemicals is considered a carcinogen. If you or someone you love has been exposed to PFAS because of pollution and the negligence of government entities, you may have the right to file a lawsuit.

At Youngstown Criminal Law Group, we represent clients who are taking legal action against government entities over PFAS exposure and the harm it causes. Our experienced legal team will guide you through every stage of the legal process, making sure you understand your rights along the way.

These harmful chemicals have spread into public and private water supplies all across the country, largely because of heavy manufacturing and industrial use. That is exactly why remediation matters so much. The cleanup process is both extensive and costly—and the responsibility for it should fall on the government. If you need a dedicated Jefferson Ohio criminal lawyer to stand by your side, our group is ready to help.

The Use of PFAS

For companies like DuPont and 3M, PFAS represents a major source of revenue. The substance serves as a critical ingredient in stain repellents and plays a role in industrial water creation. Each year, it generates around $1 billion in revenue. On top of that, a secondary market exists where PFAS appears in lubricants, paints, spray-on coatings, and polishes. This particular segment brings in roughly $100 million in sales every year.

PFAS is widely used throughout the following manufacturing processes:

• Flame retardant
• Foam for extinguishers
• Pesticide
• Ink
• Hydraulic fluid for the auto and aerospace industries
• Components for copiers and colors
• Medical devices
• Metal or chrome painting
• Non-stick cookware coating
• Food packaging

Because so many products rely on this chemical, contamination has become widespread. A knowledgeable Jefferson Ohio OVI attorney at our group can explain how this affects communities throughout Ashtabula County.

Consequences on Health

The effects of PFAS are devastating for both humans and wildlife. As a well-documented carcinogen, exposure can lead to serious health problems for anyone. It has been linked to testicular cancer and kidney cancer. Beyond these cancers, a number of other health concerns can result from PFAS exposure, including:

• High cholesterol
• Pre-eclampsia, also called toxemia, a dangerous complication during pregnancy
• Thyroid dysfunction
• Cancer
• Infertility
• Autoimmune diseases
• Mental impairment
• Developmental disability
• Blood disorders
• Ulcerative colitis

When these conditions affect you or your family, having a trusted Jefferson Ohio criminal lawyer in your corner can make a real difference in pursuing accountability.

How Can PFAS Enter the Water Supply?

The leading reason PFAS ends up in the water supply is that it gets discharged into industrial waste. This waste does not simply disappear—it travels into rivers and streams and seeps into the soil. When it rains, the substance moves down into underground aquifers. Because PFAS is non-biodegradable, it lingers in the environment for an indefinite period of time.

PFAS is commonly used in fire suppressant foams, and it also serves as an industrial lubricant and hydraulic acid. For this reason, industrial areas, fire training facilities, and military bases tend to be the most vulnerable locations. Contamination has been confirmed in the water supply at a former US Air Force Base in Michigan. According to reports published in the journal Environmental Research in August 2018, 6 million Americans are exposed to PFAS-contaminated water. An experienced Jefferson Ohio OVI attorney understands how serious these exposure cases can be.

Removing this substance from the water supply can cost more than $1 million per year, which places an enormous burden on any community. At Youngstown Criminal Law Group, we file lawsuits against government entities so that you can finally access contamination-free water. Connect with our team today by calling (330) 791-8104.