PFAS Lawsuit | 2025 Latest Updates

PFAS Statistics

• According to CDC data, blood PFOS levels declined by more than 85% from 1999-2000 to 2017-2018
• Blood PFOA levels declined by more than 70% during the same period
• A recent study identified at least 1,582 sites in 49 states as PFAS polluted
• For the average person in the U.S., the PFAS exposure level is 2,100 to 6,300 ng/L per liter of blood

FDA Reports and Statistics

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has determined there is evidence that PFAS can cause cancer. Studies have found links between PFAS exposure and:

• Kidney and Testicular Cancer: Epidemiological studies indicate that individuals with higher levels of PFOA in their blood have a 2-3 times greater risk of developing kidney cancer, while testicular cancer rates are notably higher among those exposed to PFOS.
• Pancreatic cancer (studies suggest a 50% increased risk with high PFAS levels)
• Prostate cancer (studies show a 40% increased risk with high levels of PFOA and PFOS)

PFAS Injuries & Side Effects

PFAS exposure has been linked to numerous serious health conditions that can develop after contamination accumulates in the body.

• Cancer: Kidney, testicular, pancreatic, bladder, breast, prostate cancer, leukemia, lymphoma
• Liver Damage: Changes in liver enzymes indicating potential liver dysfunction
• Thyroid Disease: 30% increased risk associated with PFAS exposure
• Reproductive Issues: Decreased fertility (women exposed to PFAS may experience a 15% reduction in fertility rates)
• Cardiovascular Problems: High cholesterol levels (10-20 mg/dL increase in those with high exposure)
• Immune System Disorders: Decreased vaccine response and compromised immunity
• Developmental Issues: Low birth weights and childhood obesity (1.5 times higher risk)

Pennsylvania Private Wells Show Widespread PFAS Contamination

A recent Penn State-led citizen science initiative tested 167 private wells across Pennsylvania and found **PFAS “forever chemicals” in 65% of samples**, with **18% exceeding EPA drinking water limits** [10].

The highest levels were discovered in the southeastern region and areas near urban development. Surprisingly, contamination was more common in affluent neighborhoods, while proximity to agricultural biosolid sites showed no clear link.

Researchers emphasize that simple home filtration can address the issue but urge well owners to regularly test their water.

U.S. Beers Found Contaminated with ‘Forever Chemicals’

A recent scientific investigation has revealed that several locally brewed beers contain levels of toxic PFAS that exceed new EPA guidelines.

The research, conducted by scientists at the American Chemical Society’s journal Environmental Science & Technology, discovered a notable presence of PFAS in numerous beer samples, particularly those brewed in areas with known contaminated municipal water supplies.

Lead researcher Jennifer Hoponick Redmon explained the inspiration behind the study: “As someone who occasionally enjoys beer, I was curious whether PFAS in drinking water might be making its way into the beverages we drink. We hope our research drives improvements in water treatment and industry safeguards.”

The research team adapted an EPA-approved method for detecting PFAS in drinking water and applied it to 23 different beers. Some of these brews originated from cities with known PFAS contamination in their water systems, while others were popular beers with unidentified water sources.

Key Findings from the Study

• Beer produced in North Carolina, California, and Michigan showed the highest PFAS levels.
• There was a clear correlation between PFAS levels in public water supplies and those found in locally brewed beers.
• In 95% of samples tested, PFAS compounds were detected, including perfluorooctanesulfonate (PFOS) and perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA), both of which now have strict EPA limits in drinking water.

Are Imported Beers Safer?
Interestingly, international beers included in the analysis — one from the Netherlands and two from Mexico — had much lower or undetectable levels of PFAS, suggesting that water source quality plays a critical role in contamination risk.

Though many breweries use standard water treatment systems, these processes typically do not filter out PFAS. This leaves both brewers and consumers vulnerable, particularly in regions already struggling with water quality issues.

The research team hopes their findings will encourage both policy change and innovation in filtration technology.

As Redmon noted, “Reducing PFAS in drinking water is key to keeping them out of beverages like beer. Our findings highlight the need for targeted treatment strategies to protect public health.”

With PFAS now recognized as a significant health concern, this study serves as a sobering reminder that even something as familiar as beer can be impacted by the broader challenges of environmental contamination.

16 Plaintiffs Allege Cancer and Ulcerative Colitis from PFAS Water Contamination

A group of 16 individuals filed a product liability lawsuit on May 14, 2025, in the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Pennsylvania, targeting over 20 chemical companies—including 3M, DuPont, Chemours, and Raytheon—over PFAS contamination from aqueous film-forming foam (AFFF) that allegedly tainted local drinking water and led to serious health issues [1].

The plaintiffs claim prolonged exposure to PFAS “forever chemicals” in their water supply caused or contributed to diagnoses of testicular cancer (by several plaintiffs), kidney cancer, and ulcerative colitis. After the complaint was transferred into the federal AFFF multidistrict litigation (MDL) on June 16, it became part of more than 10,300 similar claims, consolidating complex, overlapping cases.

The MDL, overseen by Judge Richard Gergel, is moving toward bellwether trials—starting with kidney and testicular cancer cases in October 2025—to assess causation and potential damages in early trials. Plaintiffs allege these companies knew of the “bioaccumulative” nature of PFAS and failed to warn or mitigate risks, prompting claims ranging from defective product and negligence to emotional distress and public nuisance.

EPA Pushes Back PFAS Compliance Deadlines, Plans to Revise Key Water Safety Rules

On May 14, 2025, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced updates to its approach on regulating drinking water contaminants known as PFAS. The agency will keep the existing standards for two substances—perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) and perfluorooctane sulfonic acid (PFOS)—but is delaying the deadline for compliance from 2029 to 2031.

At the same time, the EPA revealed that it intends to roll back regulations for four other PFAS chemicals originally covered under a broader drinking water safety rule established during the Biden administration. The agency says it plans to propose these changes in the fall of 2025 and finalize them in early 2026.

These revisions follow the Biden-era rule from April 10, 2024, which set Maximum Contaminant Levels (MCLs) and health-based goals for six types of PFAS. That rule aimed to give public water systems five years to adapt their infrastructure and meet the new safety thresholds.

Now, the EPA plans to move ahead with extending the compliance deadline to 2031 and eliminate regulations for PFHxS, PFNA, GenX (also known as HFPO-DA), and a chemical mixture assessed by a Hazard Index that includes those three plus PFBS.

Despite scaling back some parts of the original rule, the EPA signaled that it will stand by its standards for PFOA and PFOS and defend them in court amid legal challenges. The agency emphasized a renewed focus on “holding polluters accountable,” pointing to a future model that places financial responsibility on those responsible for contamination.

Environmental advocates were quick to criticize the delay and deregulation, warning that these changes could undermine public health protections and conflict with provisions in the Safe Drinking Water Act designed to prevent weakening of existing standards.

Meanwhile, several industry voices welcomed the changes. The Association of State Drinking Water Administrators noted that many states and water systems were struggling to meet the original 2029 deadline, citing challenges with conducting pilot testing, developing infrastructure plans, and building new treatment systems in time.

Do You Qualify for a PFAS Lawsuit?

You may qualify for a PFAS lawsuit if:

• You were exposed to PFAS through contaminated drinking water, consumer products, or occupational exposure
• You experienced serious side effects including any of the health conditions listed above
• The injuries required medical treatment or hospitalization
• You can provide medical documentation linking your injuries to PFAS exposure