Imagine a chemical that just won’t break down. It slinks into your water, into your food, even inside your body. And once it’s in, it’s there — for years, decades, forever perhaps.
That’s the idea of PFAS, the notorious “forever chemicals.”
Today, there are thousands of lawsuits pending against manufacturers to hold them responsible for the damage that these chemicals have caused.
Communities, people and governments are pushing back. If you’re thinking about what this means for you — or how you might be part of the solution — read on.
What Are PFAS, and Why Should You Be Concerned?
PFAS stands for per-and polyfluoroalkyl substances. They are man-made chemicals, developed in the 1940s. They are in items from nonstick pans to waterproof jackets to fast-food wrappers. Why? Because they’re incredibly useful. They stand up to heat, oil, stains and water like nothing else.
But here’s the hitch: PFAS don’t degrade in the environment. Or in your body. When they’re out there, they’re out there. Forever.
In other words, they accumulate over time. In soil. In rivers. In groundwater. And yes, inside humans. Scientists call this bioaccumulation. You might call it terrifying.
How Did PFAS Get in Our Water?
Here’s the less-than-zero version: firefighting foam.
AFFF is a technology the U.S. military has used for decades. It is excellent at extinguishing fuel fires. But guess what? It’s loaded with PFAS.
AFFF was used by military bases nationwide in training exercises. They lay it on the ground. It seeped into the soil. Then it entered the groundwater. Drinking water. Nearby communities.
And the military wasn’t alone. Airports, fire departments and other civilian sites also employed AFFF. The result? Widespread contamination.
But in some places, it’s just worse than others. Look at Alameda Naval Base in California or Wurtsmith Air Force Base in Michigan. PFAS levels there are thousands of times above what has been deemed safe.
The Health Risks and The Area Exposure
Let’s get real for a second. The means of PFAS exposure are not merely annoying—they are dangerous.
Research has connected PFAS with certain forms of cancer. Kidney cancer. Testicular cancer. Liver cancer. Pancreatic cancer. The list goes on.
PFAS contamination is suspected or has been confirmed at over 700 United States military sites. Some of the worst offenders are as follows:
- Alameda Naval Base (CA)
- Chanute Air Force Base (IL)
- Eielson Air Force Base (AK)
- Joint Base San Antonio (TX)
- Wurtsmith Air Force Base (MI)
- Robins Air Force Base (GA)
Contamination is commonly known to reach outside base perimeters. Families in surrounding areas are drinking dirty water. Children are playing in contaminated soil.
It’s a nightmare scenario. And it’s happening right now.
Who’s Being Sued, and Why?
So, who’s to blame for this mess?
Lawsuits are being filed against the manufacturers of those PFAS-containing products. Big names like:
- 3M
- DuPont
- Chemours
- Tyco Fire Products
- Chemguard
- National Foam Inc.
Why are they being sued? Here’s the breakdown:
- Failure to warn: They knew PFAS were dangerous and didn’t tell a soul.
- Selling dangerous products: Safer alternatives were available, but they looked the other way.
- Cover-ups: They concealed or discounted scientific evidence.
- No recalls: They continued selling toxic products even after the dangers became known.
These businesses chose profits over people. And now they are paying the price.
Recent Legal Developments
The PFAS litigation war is accelerating. Here’s what’s happened recently:
- 3B Settlement: In 2023, 3M settled claims with public water systems for $10. In 2025, they paid another $450 million to New Jersey in an environmental cleanup settlement.
- DuPont Settlement: DuPont agreed in 2023 to pay almost $1.2 billion to settle claims.
- Thousands of Cases Await Decisions: More than 10,000 lawsuits are still pending.
Courts are even scheduling “science days” to link contamination with particular manufacturers. It’s a huge step in terms of accountability.
What Compensation Can Victims Receive?
To see if you qualify for compensation for PFAS exposure. Successful lawsuits can cover:
- Medical expenses
- Lost wages
- Pain and suffering
- Mental anguish
- Disability
- Loss of life’s enjoyment
- Burial Costs (in cases of wrongful death)
For public water systems and municipalities, settlements cover costs for cleaning up the sites and upgrading the infrastructure.
How to Submit a PFAS Claim
For the public water system and for the city
You can submit a claim online if you are part of a public water system contaminated with PFAS.
- For 3M: Go to the settlement website and submit your Claims Form or send to AFFF Public Water System Claims, PO Box 4466, Baton Rouge, LA 70821.
- For DuPont: Submit your Claims Form online or mail it to the same address as above.
And be sure to verify deadlines on the settlement administrators’ official websites.
For Individuals and Communities
Here’s what to do if you’re a person impacted by PFAS:
- Get Your Documentation Together: Pull together the records of your medical treatment, the results of the water tests and evidence of your exposure.
- Contact a Law Firm: There are numerous firms that do PFAS litigation and have a free phone call /consultation.
- Review eligibility: That’s where the law firm examines whether you are eligible to file a claim.
- File a Claim: This is what your attorney will do for you, and it will be filed in court or with the settlement program where you are suing.
- Follow Up: Allow your attorney to do negotiations, presenting of the evidence, and preparation if there is a trial.
If you think you may have been exposed to PFAS, don’t wait. Reach out to a lawyer today. You may be part of the solution — and finally get the justice you deserve.
The battle over “forever chemicals” is not over. Not yet.
