How Can Edgar Snyder Help with PFAS Mass Tort lawsuit

PFAS stands for Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances. PFAS have been used in industry and consumer products worldwide since the 1940s. These are extensively used in all types of products used by us every day. These substances are water-repellent, greasy, and anti-staining. The environment or the human body can’t break these easily leading to their presence in the air, water, or soil, for years—sometimes even decades. We all are vulnerable to these substances and hence the traces of PFAS in large amounts can be present in our blood without even being directly exposed to them.

Perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) and perfluorooctane sulfonic acid (PFOS) are deeply researched PFAS and are still a part of many products, and most Americans have these chemicals in their blood.

Studies and research have concluded that long-term exposure to PFAS can cause serious health issues or terminal diseases such as:

• Cancer-related to kidney and testicles
• Liver damage
• Thyroid disease
• Weak immune system
• Reproductive and developmental issues
• Ulcerative colitis

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1. Cancer-related to Kidney and Testicles

• Kidney Cancer – Studies show a strong link between PFAS and kidney cancer, as it can adversely affect kidney function.
• Testicular Cancer – Industrial and military workers exposed to firefighting foam (AFFF) are indicated at higher risk of this type of cancer.
• Liver Cancer – PFAS deposited in the liver, may lead to liver damage and cancerous cell growth over time.

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2. Liver & Metabolic Disorders

PFAS interferes with the liver’s toxins filtering function, leading to:

• Liver inflammation
• Fatty liver disease (NAFLD) – This is usually associated with alcohol consumption but is now a growing concern for non-drinkers as well.
• Elevated cholesterol levels – PFAS is also linked to higher LDL or bad cholesterol levels leading to increased heart disease risk.

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3. Thyroid Disease

PFAS can disrupt thyroid function, leading to:

• Hypothyroidism – An under active thyroid leading to multiple lifestyle diseases such as fatigue, weight gain, and depression
• Hormonal imbalances – An overactive thyroid again leads to lifestyle diseases such as imbalanced metabolism, unpredictable mood patterns, and the overall well-being of an individual.

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4. Reproductive and Developmental Issues

The research established that pregnant women and developing babies when exposed to PFAS were impacted badly, including:

• Very low birth weight may lead to developmental delays as such children grow.
• Irregular menstrual cycles and hormonal imbalances lead to reduced fertility in women leading to delayed or no pregnancy.
• Hormonal imbalances and disruptions in men, lead to reduced sperm quality or impotency.

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5. Weakened Immune System

PFAS also suppresses the immune system, making the body less effective at fighting infections.

• Impacts and reduces the antibody responses to vaccines (including COVID-19and flu shots)
• Increases the risk of autoimmune diseases
• Make vulnerable to common illnesses like colds, flu, and pneumonia

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6. Increased Risk of High Blood Pressure and Heart Disease

PFAS chemicals are associated with hypertension or high blood pressure leading to cardiovascular diseases.

• Rish cardiovascular diseases such as heart attacks and strokes are increased in individuals exposed to PFAS.
• Preeclampsia is a dangerous pregnancy condition identified in pregnant females.