Lawsuits for Perfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS) and Government Remediation

Perfluoroalkyl substances, frequently mixed with other chemical compounds, are commonly utilized in various manufacturing processes, industrial applications, and everyday household products. Widely recognized as PFAS, this hazardous substance is classified as a known carcinogen. If you or members of your family have faced exposure to these dangerous chemicals due to environmental pollution or the negligence of government entities, you have the right to pursue a lawsuit.

At the Youngstown Criminal Law Group, our legal team represents clients in Ohio who are taking action against government bodies responsible for PFAS exposure and its devastating health impacts. A knowledgeable Steubenville criminal lawyer from our office can guide you step-by-step through these complex legal proceedings. Due to rampant industrial and manufacturing use, these harmful chemical compounds have infiltrated private and public water supplies across the nation. Proper remediation is absolutely vital, but the cleanup process is both complicated and extraordinarily expensive. Government organizations must be held accountable for covering these massive costs.

The Widespread Industrial Use of PFAS

For massive corporations like DuPont and 3M, manufacturing PFAS generates immense profits. In the industrial sector, PFAS serves as a crucial ingredient for creating water-resistant materials and stain repellents. Every single year, this primary market generates an astonishing $1 billion in revenue. Furthermore, a lucrative secondary market utilizes these chemicals for polishes, spray-on coatings, paints, and lubricants, adding another $100 million in annual sales. If local contamination concerns you, speaking with a Steubenville OVI attorney at our group can help you understand your broader legal rights in Jefferson County.

These chemicals are heavily utilized in the following manufacturing applications:

• Flame retardants
• Extinguisher foam
• Pesticides
• Printer ink
• Hydraulic fluids for the aerospace and automotive industries
• Color components and copier parts
• Medical equipment and devices
• Chrome or metal plating
• Non-stick coatings for cookware
• Food packaging materials

Severe Health Consequences of PFAS Exposure

The biological impact of PFAS on wildlife and human beings is truly catastrophic. Because it is an established carcinogen, exposure puts humans at severe risk. It is closely linked to kidney cancer and testicular cancer. Beyond carcinomas, individuals exposed to this toxic substance may suffer from numerous other medical conditions. A dedicated Steubenville criminal lawyer can help you fight for justice if you develop:

• Dangerously high cholesterol
• Toxemia or pre-eclampsia (a life-threatening pregnancy complication)
• Thyroid system dysfunction
• Various forms of cancer
• Fertility issues
• Autoimmune disorders
• Cognitive and mental impairments
• Developmental disabilities
• Blood-related disorders
• Ulcerative colitis

How Does PFAS Enter Our Water Supply?

The primary way PFAS contaminates our drinking water is through negligent industrial waste discharge. This toxic runoff flows into local streams and rivers, soaking deep into the surrounding soil. When it rains, the chemicals are pushed further down into underground aquifers. Because the substance is completely non-biodegradable, it remains indefinitely in the environment.

PFAS is famously used in fire suppressant foams, hydraulic acids, and industrial lubricants. Consequently, military bases, fire training facilities, and heavy industrial zones face the highest vulnerability. For instance, heavy contamination was discovered in the water supply of a former US Air Force Base located in Michigan. Furthermore, an August 2018 report published in the journal Environmental Research revealed that up to 6 million Americans are currently exposed to water tainted with PFAS.

Cleaning these hazardous substances from municipal water systems can cost local communities more than $1 million annually. This places an unfair financial burden on innocent residents. At Youngstown Criminal Law Group, we initiate lawsuits against responsible government entities to ensure your family has access to safe, contamination-free water. Contact an experienced Steubenville OVI attorney today at (330) 791-8104 to discuss your case and receive a free consultation.