Scores of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) lawsuits are pending across the United States, with several already having ended up in settlements. It comes as no surprise, then, that PFAS contamination serves as a major source of concern for related businesses as well as their insurance companies. From a layperson’s point of view, it helps to know what PFAS are, what PFAS lawsuits entail, and why they are on the rise.
What Are PFAS?
PFAS refer to a group of around 15,000 synthetic chemicals that have been in use since the 1940s. Nicknamed “forever chemicals,” PFAS have incredibly strong carbon-fluorine bonds, which are among the strongest in organic chemistry. This makes them extremely resistant to degradation, allowing them to exist for prolonged periods, be it in water, soil, or living organisms. In addition, they are extremely stable, making them highly resistant to heat, water, oil, and grease.
Health and Environmental Impacts
The widespread use and persistence of PFAS have led to significant environmental contamination and human exposure. Symptoms of long-term PFAS exposure can come in varied forms, and while research is ongoing, studies have linked exposure to certain forever chemicals to a range of potential health effects. These include:
- Increased risk of kidney, liver, testicular, and thyroid cancers.
- Increased risk of cardiovascular diseases because of high uric acid and cholesterol levels.
- Kidney and liver damage.
- Endocrine system problems.
- Pregnancy-induced hypertension
- Decreased response to vaccines in children.
- Ulcerative colitis.
Commonly known environmental impacts of PFAS include:
- Water, soil, and air contamination.
- Bioaccumulation.
- Disruption of ecosystems.
Sources of PFAS Exposure in Consumer Products
Given their unique properties, PFAS find their way into a number of consumer products, from cookware to food packaging to clothing.
- Non-stick cookware. Older non-stick pans with Teflon coating typically made use of PFAS.
- Water-repellent clothing. These can come in the form of rain jackets and outdoor gear.
- Stain-resistant fabrics and carpets. The ability to repel liquids and stains makes PFAS popular for home furnishings.
- Food packaging. Grease-resistant paper, fast-food wrappers, microwave popcorn bags, and pizza boxes may contain PFAS to prevent grease from soaking through.
- Fire-fighting foams. Aqueous Film-Forming Foams (AFFF) use PFAS to extinguish highly flammable liquid fires, and they remain a significant source of PFAS contamination, particularly around military bases and airports.
- Personal care products. Some cosmetics, dental floss, and shampoos can contain PFAS owing to their water-resistant or smoothing properties.
The use of PFAS is also common in various industrial processes, including:
- Electroplating.
- Chemicals manufacturing.
- Electronics manufacturing.
- Construction.
- Aerospace engineering.
- Automotive engineering.
The Upward Tick in PFAS Litigation
The main reason behind the rising number of PFAS lawsuits is the increase in awareness about the potential environmental and health risks associated with these forever chemicals.
According to data presented by Verisk, PFAS litigation-related settlements in the U.S. have already exceeded $18 billion. It suggests that litigation related to PFAS-contaminated drinking water and the environment can cross $100 billion, even getting up to $165 billion, based on different factors. It also points out that leading PFAS manufacturers have earmarked an additional $4 billion to take care of future claims.
These examples of PFAS litigation collated by Steptoe highlight this growing trend.
- In 2025, 3M resolved PFAS claims by the State of New Jersey by arriving at a settlement that could reach $450 million.
- In 2024, 3M’s settlements owing to alleged PFAS contamination in drinking water amounted to $10.3 billion.
- In 2023, DuPont and related entities resolved PFAS claims by the public water systems by settling for around $1.2 billion.
- In 2024, Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton filed a lawsuit against 3M and DuPont for key omissions and misrepresentations in their ads of brands like Teflon, Scotchgard, and Stainmaster.
Regulation of PFAS
Given that new research keeps emerging, the U.S. government’s policy decisions and regulatory actions remain in a flux of change, although the evolution is clear. In addition, new regulations have to deal with legal challenges. States are also playing a role in enacting PFAS-related laws that extend beyond federal requirements. Over time, the federal government, primarily through the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), has taken action under various environmental statutes.
- National PFAS Testing Strategy. Announced in October 2021, this strategy requires PFAS manufacturers to provide toxicity and exposure information.
- Unregulated Contaminant Monitoring Rule (UCMR 5). Published in December 2021, this rule requires public water systems to monitor their water for 29 PFAS and collect data on their occurrence.
- PFAS Reporting Rule (TSCA Section 8(a)(7)). In October 2023, the EPA finalized a rule requiring all manufacturers (including importers) of PFAS in any year since 2011 to report detailed information on their use, production volume, disposal, exposure, and hazards to the EPA. It announced a delay to the reporting period in May 2025, moving the window to April 2026 – October 2026, with an alternative deadline for small manufacturers importing articles.
- Significant New Use Rules (SNURs). Under the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA), the EPA can establish SNURs for new or existing chemicals.In January 2024, it finalized a SNUR that prohibits the manufacturing or processing of 329 inactive PFAS chemicals without EPA approval.
- National Primary Drinking Water Regulation (NPDWR). In April 2024, the EPA finalized the first-ever national legally enforceable drinking water standard for six PFAS and a hazard index for mixtures of certain PFAS. This rule sets Maximum Contaminant Levels (MCLs) for individual PFAS and a Hazard Index MCL for mixtures.
- Hazardous Substance Designation. In April 2024, the EPA finalized a rule designating PFOA and PFOS as hazardous substances under the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act (CERCLA). This gives EPA the authority to require responsible parties to clean up contaminated sites, recover cleanup costs, and issue orders for investigation and remediation.
- National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA). Several NDAAs have included provisions related to PFAS, particularly concerning their use in AFFF by the Department of Defense (DoD) and requiring the DoD to address PFAS contamination at military installations.
Other Federal Agencies and Initiatives
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) regulates the use of PFAS in food contact materials such as packaging and cookware. In February 2024, it announced the cessation of the sale of all grease-proofing PFAS-based agents for food contact. It also carries out regular tests for PFAS in food and beverages.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR) conduct studies and carry out exposure assessments in communities with known PFAS contamination, especially near military bases.
What the Future Holds
Many countries, the U.S. included, have implemented, or are implementing strict regulations surrounding the manufacturing and use of PFAS. While there has been a significant reduction in the use of some PFAS, like PFOA and PFOS, the development of new PFAS continues. Scientists, on their part, continue to research the impact of different PFAS on health and the environment, while developing methods for early detection and remediation
Do You Meet PFAS Lawsuit Criteria?
Know that the government has identified different wastewater treatment plants, military bases, manufacturing units, and other facilities across the country as known sources of PFAS contamination. Over time, communities in the vicinity of these setups have suffered significantly because of the detrimental effects of PFAS on health and the environment. Fortunately, it is possible to hold the responsible parties accountable.
You might have the right to file a PFAS personal injury lawsuit if you have suffered because of PFAS owning to industrial exposure or exposure to AFFF, contaminated water, consumer products, or other qualifying sources. Communities with water systems that have detectable PFAS levels should ideally consult with PFAS lawsuit attorneys to determine if they can get compensation for the required water treatment and remediation.
If a family member has died because of PFAS contamination, you might be able to seek damages by filing a wrongful death claim. In this case, you may get compensation for loss of financial support, loss of companionship, and your loved one’s pain and suffering.
In cases where PFAS contamination affects multiple plaintiffs, it is common to file class action lawsuits. However, mass torts can be more beneficial in cases where plaintiffs suffer from different illnesses.
PFAS Lawsuit Settlement Amounts per Person
There is no fixed amount that plaintiffs receive, either through settlements or court verdicts. If you’re filing a claim as an individual, some of the factors that might have an effect on the settlement amount include the severity of your illness, your age, your profession, and your ability to work. If you are part of a class action lawsuit, keep in mind that each plaintiff stands to receive the same share.
Examples of damages for which you might receive compensation include:
- Medical expenses.
- Loss of earnings.
- Pain and suffering.
- Loss of consortium.
- Legal costs.
Conclusion
PFAS lawsuits are anything but simple, and building a strong case requires having an in-depth understanding of all applicable laws. Besides, when you’re up against a big company, you can be sure that it has a team of lawyers that will try to do its best to minimize your payout. As a result, if you think you need to take the legal path, it might be in your best interest to partner with an experienced PFAS lawsuit attorney. Then, while you can focus on recovery, your attorney can fight for the compensation you deserve.