Napoli Shkolnik partnered with the National Rural Water Association (NRWA) to bring together utility systems from across the country affected by PFAS contamination. The PFAS Cost Recovery Program was created to help water and wastewater systems recoup money spent on treatment and remediation.
You can still join the PFAS lawsuit. Complete the form at https://www.napolilaw.com/en/nrwa-pfas/.
WHAT ARE PFAS?
PFAS or perfluorochemicals also called perfluoroalkyls are a group of man-made chemicals that include PFOA, perfluorooctanoic acid, and PFOS, perfluoro octane sulfonic acid. As a group, these chemicals are persistent in the environment and remain in your blood for many years. How many people are exposed? Currently, over 15 million Americans are drinking water polluted with PFCs, while up to 110 million Americans could have PFAS-contaminated drinking water.
HEALTH EFFECTS
Studies have shown that PFOA and PFOS can cause “reproductive and developmental, liver and kidney, and immunological effects in laboratory animals… Both chemicals have caused tumors in animal studies.”
EXPOSURE
People can be exposed to PFAS through food, drinking water, and/or biodegradation of consumer products. PFCs are readily absorbed by the body and once ingested they may persist in the body for long periods of time.
WHERE ARE PFAS FOUND?
- Foams used to fight fires
- Furniture and carpets treated for stain resistance
- Treated clothing that is stain resistant or waterproof
- Fast food or packaged food containers, such as french fry boxes, pizza boxes, hamburger wrappers, and microwave popcorn bags
- Makeup and personal care products, such as dental floss, pressed powders, nail polish, and shaving cream with ingredients that have ‘perfluoro’ in the name
- Floor care products
- Cleaning products
WHERE DID PFAS EMISSIONS COME FROM?
PFAS do not occur naturally in the environment. They have been manufactured for more than 50 years. PFOS and PFOA are a group of first-generation of PFCs that are being phased out due to their potential hazards. These hazards have resulted and will result in litigation and several national and international legislative bans worldwide. Despite the EPA’s Lifetime Health Advisory and established Maximum Contaminant Levels (MCLs) for PFOA and PFOS, PFC contamination from AFFF (aqueous film-forming foams) persists.
** If you have detections of any of the PFAS compounds tested for under UCMR5, you are eligible for some money. There is no upfront cost; if systems don’t get money, there is zero cost. Once funds are received, there are no strings attached; the funds can be used as the systems see fit.
To learn more, visit www.napolilaw.com/nrwa-pfas.