What are PFAS and how are they utilized?
Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances are chemicals used for their various physical and chemical properties in gasses, liquids and solid high-molecular-weight polymers.
PFAS are a huge source of income for some of the biggest chemical companies in the US, earning them around $1 billion annually. That is so because PFAS are known for their properties like water repellency and stain resistance in fabrics such as clothes, carpets, upholstery, etc.
Apart from that PFAS are also used for spray-on coatings, polishers, paints, lubricants, etc. These also have a market of over $100 million per year.
Additionally, PFAS are also used as a component in the following:
- Fire-extinguishing foams and flame retardants
- Ink
- Pesticides
- Hydraulic fluids used in the auto and aerospace industries.
- Medical devices
- Components of printers and color copiers
- Plating of metal (such as Chrome)
- Coating for nonstick cookware
- Food packaging
PFAS has been used in these products for decades now, which has resulted in their presence being virtually everywhere in the natural world. They have been detected in the blood system of almost all human beings and animals in the US in different quantities.
To pile up on that, PFAS are also highly resistant to natural degradation processes like decay, sun and water exposure. This means that once they're released into the atmosphere, they remain there almost indefinitely.
Please seek the advice of a medical professional before making health care decisions.
How do PFAS get into water supplies?
PFAS sneak into the main water lines mostly by the released industrial waste. This is a very common occurrence in streams and rivers. However, PFAS could also sneak into the water systems when industrial waste products are dumped on the ground as well.
Because of rain, PFAS in the wastes on the grounds get transported into the aquifers beneath us. And that's not the end of problems. Since PFAS are non-biodegradable, they accumulate together and get to the food chain.
Another way PFAS get into the water supply is through the firefighting training facilities because they are used in fire suppressant foams. They could also be found in water sources near military bases since PFAS are very frequently used in hydraulic fluids as well as heavy-duty lubricants.
Health Consequences
PFAS are well-known recognized human carcinogens, which means they're known to be able to cause cancer. They can have a variety of consequences on humans as well as animals. Currently, Lawyer4Help can help you get in touch with the best lawyers for lawsuits regarding the following:
- Testicular Cancer
- Kidney Cancer
- Liver Cancer
- Prostate Cancer
- Ulcerative Colitis
- Pre-eclampsia
- Thyroid disease
- Breast cancer
- Toxemia
- Pregnancy-induced hypertension
- Pregnancy-associated hypertension
- Preterm birth
- Germ cell tumors
- Choriocarcinoma
- Seminomas
- Non-seminomas
- Embryonal carcinoma
- Yolk sac carcinoma
- Teratomas
- Hyperthyroidism
- Hypothyroidism
- Colitis gravis
- Idiopathic proctocolitis
- Inflammatory bowel disease
- Low birth weight in children
- Renal cancer
- Wilms tumor
If you are suffering from one of the above-mentioned diseases or any other form of cancer, it could possibly be caused by PFAS. If so, call us so we can get you in touch with the best attorneys in the US to file your lawsuit