PFAS Cancer Lawsuit | 2025 Latest Updates

PFAS Lawsuit Overview

PFAS lawsuits focus on claims that manufacturers and users of these “forever chemicals” knowingly exposed people to harmful substances linked to cancer and other serious health conditions.

The primary allegations center on companies’ failure to warn the public about the dangers of PFAS despite internal knowledge of health risks.

Several major settlements have been reached, including a $4 billion agreement with 3M in 2023 to address drinking water contamination in numerous communities.

The EPA has increasingly focused on regulating these chemicals, recently setting new drinking water standards and designating certain PFAS as hazardous substances under federal law.

Latest PFAS Lawsuit 2025 Updates

• March 2025 – A federal judge has granted final approval to a $12.5 billion settlement with DuPont, Chemours, and Corteva to resolve claims related to PFAS contamination in public water systems across the United States. The settlement will fund testing, filtration, and remediation efforts in affected communities.
• January 2025 – The EPA has expanded its regulation of PFAS chemicals by officially designating PFOA and PFOS as hazardous substances under the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act (CERCLA), strengthening legal claims against polluters.
• November 2024 – A landmark study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association has established a direct causal link between long-term PFAS exposure and kidney cancer, finding that individuals with the highest exposure levels had a 75% greater risk of developing the disease compared to those with minimal exposure.

FDA Reports and Statistics

Government agencies and scientific research have compiled alarming data about PFAS contamination and its health impacts:

• According to the Environmental Working Group (EWG), PFAS contamination has been detected in the drinking water of more than 2,800 communities across 50 states, affecting an estimated 110 million Americans.
• The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has found PFAS in the blood of 97% of Americans tested.
• A March 2020 study in the International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health found that all examined PFAS chemicals exhibited at least one key characteristic of carcinogens [1].
• The Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR) reports that certain PFAS chemicals increase the risk of kidney and testicular cancer by 20-60% in highly exposed populations.
• The EPA has established a maximum contaminant level of 4 parts per trillion for PFOA and PFOS in drinking water, reflecting the serious health risks these chemicals pose even at extremely low concentrations.

PFAS Injuries & Side Effects

PFAS exposure has been linked to numerous serious health conditions, with cancer being the most severe concern.

Research has established connections between these chemicals and various diseases through mechanisms including DNA damage, immune system suppression, and cellular disruption.

• Cancer: Kidney cancer, testicular cancer, ovarian cancer, prostate cancer, non-Hodgkin lymphoma, thyroid cancer, and childhood leukemia.
• Reproductive Issues: Decreased fertility, pregnancy-induced hypertension, preeclampsia, low birth weight, and birth defects.
• Metabolic Disorders: Obesity, elevated cholesterol levels, liver damage, and type 2 diabetes.
• Immune System Effects: Reduced vaccine response in children, compromised immune function, and increased susceptibility to infections.

Related Article: PFAS Exposure Lawsuit Update

What Other Health Problems Can PFAS Cause?

In addition to cancer, PFAS may lead to the following adverse health effects in some people:

• Increased cholesterol levels
• Changes in liver enzymes
• Decreases in infant birth weights
• Decreased vaccine response in children
• Increased risk of high blood pressure or preeclampsia in pregnant women

Related Article: What Does PFAS Do to Your Body?

How Can PFAS Cause Cancer?

A March 2020 study published in the International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health [1] tried to establish possible mechanisms underlying the link between PFAS and cancer.

The study’s authors summarized the existing evidence about PFAS substances, which can act like previously known cancer-causing chemicals.

The mechanisms include different ways PFAS can disrupt biological activity, such as by changing DNA, weakening the immune system, inducing chronic inflammation, causing cells to proliferate, or altering normal communication between cells.

The researchers looked for evidence of 10 such carcinogenic (cancer-causing) traits in animal, cell, and human studies of roughly two dozen PFAS chemicals.

“We found that every single one of them exhibited at least one of the key characteristics” of carcinogens. – Alexis Temkin of the Environmental Working Group (EWG), which conducted the study with researchers from Indiana University.

Related Article: PFAS Cancer Lawsuit

Do You Qualify for a PFAS Lawsuit?

You may qualify for a PFAS lawsuit if:

• You were exposed to PFAS chemicals through contaminated drinking water, food, consumer products, or occupational exposure (such as firefighting foam).
• You have been diagnosed with kidney cancer, testicular cancer, ovarian cancer, or another condition linked to PFAS exposure.
• Your exposure occurred in an area with known PFAS contamination or through products containing PFAS.
• You can establish a reasonable timeline between your exposure and the development of your illness.
• You file your claim within the statute of limitations for your state.

Evidence Required for a PFAS Lawsuit

To build a strong case, you will need to gather:

• Medical records documenting your diagnosis and treatment
• Evidence of PFAS exposure (residence in contaminated areas, work history, product usage)
• Environmental testing results if available (water, soil, or blood tests showing PFAS levels)
• Documentation of your residence history, especially in areas with known contamination
• Expert testimony establishing the connection between your exposure and illness

Damages You Can Recover

A successful PFAS lawsuit may provide compensation for:

• Medical expenses (past and future)
• Lost wages and diminished earning capacity
• Pain and suffering
• Emotional distress
• Costs for medical monitoring
• Property value diminution (for contaminated properties)
• Punitive damages in cases of gross negligence

PFAS Recall Information

While there have not been traditional “recalls” of PFAS chemicals, there have been significant regulatory actions and phase-outs:

• Voluntary Phase-Outs: Major manufacturers including 3M and DuPont have voluntarily phased out the production of certain PFAS chemicals including PFOA and PFOS in the early 2000s.
• EPA Actions: In 2022-2023, the EPA established legally enforceable maximum contaminant levels for six PFAS chemicals in drinking water and designated PFOA and PFOS as hazardous substances.
• State Bans: Several states including California, Washington, Maine, and Minnesota have enacted bans on PFAS in specific consumer products such as food packaging, textiles, and firefighting foam.
• Military Base Remediation: The Department of Defense has identified over 700 military installations with potential PFAS contamination and has begun remediation efforts.

Statute of Limitations for PFAS Lawsuits

The time limit for filing a PFAS lawsuit varies by state and typically ranges from 1-6 years.

Most states apply some form of the “discovery rule,” which means the statute of limitations begins when:

• You were diagnosed with a condition linked to PFAS exposure, OR
• You reasonably should have known that PFAS exposure may have caused your illness

This is particularly important in PFAS cases because:

• Many people were unknowingly exposed to these chemicals for decades
• The connection between PFAS and certain health conditions has only recently been established
• Testing for PFAS contamination has become more widespread in recent years

It’s crucial to consult with an attorney as soon as possible after diagnosis to ensure your legal rights are protected before these deadlines expire.

Related Articles:

• Can PFAS Be Removed From the Body?
• What Household Products Contain PFAS?
• Are PFAS in Bottled Water?

FAQs

1. How can I determine if I have been exposed to PFAS?

To determine if you have been exposed to PFAS, check if your community has reported water contamination through the EPA’s water quality reports or EWG’s contamination map. Blood tests can measure PFAS levels in your body, though they’re not routinely available through standard medical care. Consider your history with potential exposure sources like firefighting foam, industrial work, or residence near manufacturing facilities or military bases.

2. What steps can I take to reduce my exposure to PFAS?

To reduce PFAS exposure, install a certified water filtration system (activated carbon or reverse osmosis) if your water is contaminated. Avoid non-stick cookware, especially if scratched, and choose PFAS-free alternatives. Check labels for phrases like “PFAS-free” or “fluorine-free” when purchasing stain-resistant products, waterproof items, and food packaging. Limit consumption of fast food and microwave popcorn, which may contain PFAS in their packaging.

3. Who can file a lawsuit related to PFAS exposure and cancer?

Individuals diagnosed with cancers linked to PFAS (particularly kidney, testicular, and ovarian cancer) after significant exposure through contaminated water, occupational contact, or regular use of PFAS-containing products may qualify for a lawsuit. Firefighters exposed to AFFF foam, residents near military bases or chemical plants, and those with documented high blood PFAS levels have the strongest cases. Family members may file wrongful death claims for deceased loved ones.

4. How much compensation might I receive from a PFAS lawsuit?

Compensation in PFAS lawsuits varies widely based on illness severity, exposure duration, and case strength. Individual cancer cases may settle for $100,000 to several million dollars, with larger amounts for permanent disability or wrongful death. Class action settlements for property damage or medical monitoring typically provide smaller individual payments but cover more people. Community-wide settlements with manufacturers have reached billions of dollars for water remediation.

5. Can I join a class action lawsuit for PFAS contamination?

Yes, you may be eligible to join a PFAS class action lawsuit if you live in an affected community with contaminated water or own property that has decreased in value due to contamination. Class actions are typically focused on property damage, water remediation costs, or medical monitoring rather than personal injuries. For serious health conditions like cancer, individual lawsuits often provide better compensation than class actions.

6. How long do PFAS lawsuits typically take to resolve?

PFAS lawsuits typically take 2-5 years to resolve due to their scientific complexity and the evolving nature of PFAS litigation. Individual cases may settle faster if the connection between exposure and illness is well-established. Class actions and multi-district litigation involving many plaintiffs generally take longer. The timeline depends on factors including jurisdiction, evidence strength, and whether the case settles or proceeds to trial.

Get Your Free PFAS Cancer Lawsuit Evaluation With Our Lawyers

Time is limited to pursue legal action for injuries related to PFAS exposure. Most states impose strict statutes of limitations ranging from 1-6 years from diagnosis or discovery of the connection between your illness and PFAS, after which you may permanently lose your right to seek compensation.

With ongoing settlement negotiations and evolving scientific evidence linking PFAS to serious health conditions, the legal landscape is rapidly changing.

Early participation in litigation may provide you with better options for recovery.

At Schmidt & Clark, LLP, we offer:

• Free, confidential consultations to evaluate your case
• No upfront costs or attorney fees
• Payment only if we win your case
• Experienced representation in complex environmental litigation

References:

1. https://www.mdpi.com/1660-4601/17/5/1668