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Table Of Contents
- PFAS Carpet Lawsuit Overview
- Latest PFAS Carpet Lawsuit Updates
- Agency Reports and Statistics
- PFAS Injuries & Side Effects
- Do You Qualify for a PFAS Carpet Lawsuit?
- Statute of Limitations for PFAS Carpet Lawsuits
- FAQs
- 1. What are PFAS, and why are they used in carpets?
- 2. How can I determine if my carpet contains PFAS?
- 3. What regulations or standards address PFAS in carpet manufacturing?
- 4. How are children exposed to PFAS from carpets?
- 5. Have carpet manufacturers stopped using PFAS?
- 6. What can schools and families do to reduce PFAS exposure?
- 7. How much PFAS can children be exposed to from carpets?
- Get a Free PFAS Carpet Lawsuit Evaluation With Our Lawyers
PFAS Carpet Lawsuit Overview
PFAS lawsuits against carpet manufacturers allege that these companies knowingly used toxic “forever chemicals” in their products. Children are particularly vulnerable to PFAS exposure from carpets through crawling and hand-to-mouth contact.
Studies have found significant PFAS levels in carpet samples from childcare centers, with potential health effects including impaired neurodevelopment, immune system dysfunction, hormone disruption, and cancer.
Latest PFAS Carpet Lawsuit Updates
July 28, 2024 – Updated research confirms carpets as a major PFAS exposure source for children, with measurements showing dust ingestion rates between 0.023 and 1.9 ng/kg body weight/day, approaching the minimal risk levels reported by the U.S. Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR).
April 2020 – A study published in the journal Chemosphere measured PFAS concentrations in carpet and dust samples from 18 childcare centers in California, finding that carpets appear to be both a source of and a sink for toxic PFAS chemicals [1].
Related Article: PFAS Exposure Lawsuit Update
Agency Reports and Statistics
The April 2020 study found that PFAS intake via dust ingestion for children was between 0.023 and 1.9 ng/kg body weight/day. For comparison, the minimal risk levels reported by ATSDR for PFAS are less than 2 ng/kg body weight/day.
PFAS Injuries & Side Effects
PFAS exposure from carpets is linked to serious health effects in both children and adults.
- Neurodevelopmental Issues: Impaired brain development in children
- Immune System Dysfunction: Weakened immune response
- Hormone Disruption: Interference with normal hormone function
- Cancer: Increased risk of certain types of cancer
Do You Qualify for a PFAS Carpet Lawsuit?
You may qualify for a PFAS carpet lawsuit if:
- You or your child was exposed to older carpets containing PFAS chemicals.
- You experienced serious side effects including neurodevelopmental issues, immune system dysfunction, hormone disruption, or cancer.
- The injuries required medical treatment or hospitalization.
- You can provide medical documentation linking your injuries to PFAS exposure.
Evidence Required for a PFAS Carpet Lawsuit
- Medical records documenting health issues
- Evidence of exposure to older carpets potentially containing PFAS
- Documentation showing a connection between exposure and health problems
Damages You Can Recover
- Medical expenses
- Lost wages
- Pain and suffering
- Punitive damages
Statute of Limitations for PFAS Carpet Lawsuits
The time you have to file a PFAS carpet lawsuit varies by state, depending on the date of injury or from when you discovered (or reasonably should have discovered) that your injury was caused by PFAS exposure. Because these timeframes are strictly enforced, it’s critical to consult with an attorney as soon as possible to preserve your legal rights.
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FAQs
1. What are PFAS, and why are they used in carpets?
Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances or PFAS are synthetic chemicals used in carpets for their water and stain resistance. They provide durability but raise health concerns due to their persistence and potential toxicity.
2. How can I determine if my carpet contains PFAS?
Check for manufacturer disclosures or certifications regarding PFAS. Consider testing your carpet with specialized labs. Many carpets may not explicitly list PFAS, so third-party testing is often necessary.
3. What regulations or standards address PFAS in carpet manufacturing?
Regulations vary by country. In the U.S., PFAS use in carpets is not heavily regulated, but manufacturers may follow guidelines from organizations like ASTM International for safer practices.
4. How are children exposed to PFAS from carpets?
Children are exposed through crawling on carpets, hand-to-mouth contact, and dust ingestion. As noted in research, “From circle time to nap time, young schoolchildren spend a lot of time on the floor. Harmful PFAS in carpets and dust then collect on kids’ hands and toys, which they put in their mouths.”
5. Have carpet manufacturers stopped using PFAS?
Most carpet manufacturers have discontinued the use of PFAS. Retailers like The Home Depot and Lowe’s currently only sell carpets that are PFAS-free.
6. What can schools and families do to reduce PFAS exposure?
Schools and families can significantly reduce PFAS exposure by replacing older carpets with newer PFAS-free options, as mentioned by researcher Marta Venier.
7. How much PFAS can children be exposed to from carpets?
Research found that PFAS intake via dust ingestion for children was between 0.023 and 1.9 ng/kg body weight/day, approaching the minimal risk levels established by the ATSDR.
Get a Free PFAS Carpet Lawsuit Evaluation With Our Lawyers
Time is limited to pursue legal action against carpet manufacturers for PFAS-related injuries. The Product Liability Litigation Group at Schmidt & Clark, LLP is currently accepting new legal challenges in all 50 states.
Our services include:
- Free, confidential consultations
- No upfront costs or fees
- Payment only if we win your case