EPA Evaluating Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances

Perfluoroalkyl and Polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are being evaluated by the Environmental Protection Agency, which hosted a symposium on May 22nd, 2018 to bring experts up to date on where the agency stands regarding the use of PFAS in commercial and industrial applications, and to provide guidance regarding potential pollution of drinking water and other areas by these dangerous chemicals.

PFAS have been linked to a multiple health issues, including:

• A variety of cancers
• Immunosuppression
• Low birth weight babies

The EPA has acknowledged that many areas of the country already suffer from significant PFAS pollution, particularly areas where these chemicals were manufactured or used in manufacturing. Pollution from the factories spilled into local runways or reached the water table, exposing hundreds of thousands of people.

Even as the EPA has limited the use of these products (including disallowing the use of certain chemicals entirely), some products such as non-stick pans and food packaging continue to utilize them despite the safety threshold for human exposure not being fully determined.

Environmental advocacy groups have pressured the EPA to do more to limit the use of these chemicals, and have met with some success. Still, it has been well established that PFAS remain in the human body and the environment for years and years after exposure, meaning whatever is created now could continue to negatively affect future generations.

If you or someone you love has been sickened by exposure to toxic chemicals in the water supply, or through some other form of exposure, please consult with an experienced attorney regarding your situation. Establishing a timeline of your illness and potential routes of exposure is important to building a strong case and obtaining the compensation you and your family are entitled to.