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F A Q S
PFOA Contamination Information

PFOA (Perfluorooctanoic Acid) is a man-made chemical used in industrial applications, particularly in products resistant to water, heat, and stains. Unfortunately, PFOA is persistent in the environment and in human bodies, meaning it doesn’t break down and can accumulate over time. Long-term exposure to PFOA has been linked to serious health issues, including testicular, kidney, and liver cancers, thyroid disease, immune system impacts, and developmental problems in children.

PFOA enters drinking water primarily through industrial discharge and runoff from manufacturing sites. When facilities using PFOA dispose of waste improperly, it can seep into soil and water supplies, contaminating groundwater that many communities rely on for drinking.
Research links PFOA exposure to several serious health conditions, including:
  • Cancers: Testicular, kidney, liver
  • Thyroid Disorders: Thyroid disease, imbalances
  • Immune System Effects: Weakening of immune response
  • Developmental Effects: Issues in infants and children, including developmental delays
  • Other Conditions: Increased cholesterol levels, ulcerative colitis, and liver disease
Common sources include:
  • Contaminated Drinking Water: Especially near manufacturing facilities and military bases.
  • Industrial Sites: Living or working near facilities that produced or used PFOA.
  • Household Products: PFOA was used in some non-stick cookware, stain-resistant fabrics, water-resistant clothing, and food packaging like microwave popcorn bags and fast-food wrappers.
  • Firefighting Foams: PFOA was a component in AFFF (Aqueous Film Forming Foam), used extensively by the military and firefighters.
PFOA is known as a “forever chemical” because it doesn’t easily break down. It can remain in the human body for years, with a half-life of 2-4 years, meaning it can take decades to be completely eliminated, especially with continued exposure.
Some governmental organizations and environmental agencies provide resources to check local water quality. The EPA has a searchable database for contaminants in public water systems. Additionally, some states maintain lists of known contamination sites. You may also consider independent testing if you’re concerned about contamination.
Many communities with known PFOA contamination have implemented special filtration systems in water treatment facilities, switched to alternative water sources, or conducted cleanup initiatives. Affected residents may also have access to free health screenings or resources through state and local health departments.
PFOA and PFOS are both types of PFAS chemicals. They have similar properties and health risks, but each was used in different industrial applications. PFOA is typically found in products like non-stick cookware and textiles, while PFOS was often used in firefighting foams and stain-resistant treatments.
Legal Information
Lawsuits are being filed because PFOA, a toxic chemical used in various industries, has contaminated drinking water in certain communities. Many manufacturers failed to warn the public about its dangers, and individuals affected by PFOA exposure are seeking compensation for health issues, medical expenses, and other damages caused by this negligence.
Individuals may qualify if they:
  • Lived in an area with known PFOA water contamination (like Bennington, VT)
  • Were exposed to contaminated water for an extended period (typically 5+ years)
  • Have been diagnosed with specific illnesses linked to PFOA, such as testicular, kidney, or liver cancer, among other conditions. Taking an eligibility form helps determine if these criteria apply.
Compensation may include:
  • Medical Expenses: Covering current and future treatment costs,
  • Lost Wages: For work missed due to illness,
  • Pain and Suffering: Reflecting the emotional and physical impact of illness,
  • Wrongful Death Damages: For families who lost a loved one due to PFOA-related conditions,
  • Punitive Damages: In some cases, courts may award punitive damages to penalize companies for misconduct or negligence.

In a class action lawsuit, plaintiffs with similar claims join together in a single case. However, a mass tort lawsuit allows individual cases to be grouped but treated independently, so compensation varies based on each person’s unique circumstances. Many PFOA contamination cases are handled as mass torts because of differences in exposure levels, health conditions, and damages.

Timelines vary significantly. While some cases settle in months, more complex cases, especially those involving serious health conditions or multiple plaintiffs, can take years. Your legal team will keep you updated and work to resolve your case as efficiently as possible while still pursuing fair compensation.
There are no upfront costs to join the lawsuit. Our legal team operates on a contingency basis, which means we only get paid if you receive compensation. This arrangement ensures that everyone has access to legal support, regardless of financial status.
The process generally involves:
  • Case Evaluation: Once you submit your information, our team will assess your eligibility.
  • Free Consultation: If eligible, a legal expert will contact you to discuss the case in detail.
  • Filing a Claim: Our attorneys will guide you in filing the necessary paperwork.
  • Settlement or Trial: Many cases result in settlements, but some may go to trial depending on the circumstances.