Lawsuits for Perfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS) Government Remediation

Perfluoroalkyl substances, or PFAS, are chemical compounds commonly found in industrial processes, manufacturing, and various household products. These substances are widely recognized as carcinogens. If you or your family have been exposed to PFAS through pollution or the negligence of government entities in Ohio, you may be eligible to file a lawsuit.

At Youngstown Criminal Law Group, we represent clients suing government bodies for PFAS exposure and its harmful effects. Our experienced lawyers will guide you through the complexities of the legal proceedings.

These hazardous chemical compounds are now contaminating public and private water supplies across the nation due to extensive industrial and manufacturing use. This contamination makes remediation essential. The process of cleaning up PFAS is both extensive and expensive, and we believe it is the government’s responsibility to manage it. Your New Castle criminal lawyer can help build a strong case.

The Use of PFAS

For major corporations like DuPont and 3M, PFAS represents a significant revenue stream. It is a key ingredient in stain repellants and water-repellent coatings used in the industrial sector, generating approximately $1 billion in annual revenue. Additionally, a secondary market uses PFAS in lubricants, paints, spray-on coatings, and polishes, which accounts for around $100 million in sales each year.

PFAS is heavily used in the following manufacturing applications:

• Flame retardants
• Foam for fire extinguishers
• Pesticides
• Inks
• Hydraulic fluid for the automotive and aerospace industries
• Components for copiers and printers
• Medical devices
• Metal or chrome plating
• Non-stick cookware coatings
• Food packaging

A dedicated New Castle DUI lawyer can help you understand your rights if you have been affected.

Consequences on Health

The health effects of PFAS are devastating for both humans and wildlife. As a known carcinogen, exposure can lead to severe health problems. It has been linked to testicular and kidney cancer. Beyond cancer, exposure to PFAS can cause various other health issues, including:

• High cholesterol
• Preeclampsia, a dangerous pregnancy complication
• Thyroid dysfunction
• Infertility
• Autoimmune diseases
• Mental impairment
• Developmental disabilities
• Blood disorders
• Ulcerative colitis

How PFAS Can Enter the Water Supply

The primary way PFAS enters the water supply is through industrial waste discharge. This waste contaminates rivers and streams and seeps into the soil. When it rains, these substances are carried into underground aquifers. Because PFAS is not biodegradable, it can remain in the environment indefinitely.

PFAS is also a component of fire suppressant foams used as industrial lubricants and hydraulic fluids. For this reason, areas near industrial facilities, fire training centers, and military bases are particularly vulnerable to contamination. For instance, water supplies at a former U.S. Air Force base in Michigan were found to be contaminated. According to a report in the journal Environmental Research from August 2018, as many as 6 million Americans are exposed to water contaminated with PFAS. Consulting with a New Castle criminal lawyer is a crucial first step.

The cost of removing this substance from a water supply can exceed $1 million per year, which is a significant financial strain for any community. At Youngstown Criminal Law Group, we file lawsuits against government entities to help you secure contamination-free water. Connect with our New Castle DUI lawyer in Ohio today to discuss your case. Call us at (330) 992-3036 for free consultation.