Understanding PFAS Exposure:
Health Impacts Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are a group of human-made chemicals widely used for their water and grease-resistant properties. Found in everyday items such as non-stick cookware, water-repellent clothing, and firefighting foams, PFAS have become a significant environmental and health concern due to their persistence and potential toxicity. What are PFAS and AFFF? […]
Your Rights as a Refinery Neighbor
Living near an oil refinery can bring many challenges. You have the right to clean air, clean water, and a safe environment. The owners of refineries have an obligation to respect these rights. When they don’t, you may face health risks or damage to your property. Let’s explore the rights and protections you have, and […]
Recent Update in the AFFF Litigation
Cases involving Aqueous Film Forming Foams (“AFFF”) have been consolidated in Federal Court in South Carolina before Judge Richard Gergel. Such consolidation is known as a multi-district litigation (“MDL”). Establishing an MDL is common and allows one judge to oversee all pretrial discovery in cases where there exist common questions of fact. What is the […]
The 3M PFAS Settlement Class Fund Explained
In the realm of environmental litigation, PFAS contamination remains a persistent and widespread public health threat. Environmental researchers call PFAS the “forever chemical” because it is notorious for its persistence in the human body and the environment. Research shows it impairs the immune system and causes several diseases, including cancer. Recently, the Federal Judge overseeing […]
PFAS Contamination at Cannon AFB
The Department of Defense concluded Cannon Air Force Base in New Mexico is one of the most heavily contaminated sites in the country. The DOD included Cannon in the “top 10 of prioritized active US Air Force installations” for addressing PFAS contamination. This article discusses environmental concerns, health risks, ongoing cleanup efforts, and lawsuits related […]
US Production of Biomass
Background Recently, the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) announced the release of the Bioenergy Technologies Office’s (BETO) 2023 Billion-Ton Report (BT23). This is the fourth in a series of assessments of potential biomass resources available in the United States. BT23 provides estimates of biomass resource potential in response to market demand scenarios. According to the […]
PFAS Air Emission Contamination
Background Recently, a class action lawsuit was filed in Connecticut alleging that PFAS air emissions caused contamination to nearby land. The facility was a tissue facility that in the past manufactured diapers which were made with PFAS. The case is notable because it is one of the first PFAS class action lawsuits filed that involves […]
What is PFOS?
This article explains perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS). Let us delve into the key details about PFOS and understand its role and impact. The 3M Company formulated PFOS and holds the patent on its unique chemical structure. Chemists characterize its structure based upon the eight-carbon fluorocarbon chain fully covered with fluorine, coupled with a sulfonic acid group. […]
Work Exposure to PFAS Associated with Cancer
Often, workers contact PFAS chemicals without knowing they are being exposed to these dangerous chemicals. Investigators study work exposures to PFAS to figure out whether it affects human health and to protect workers from further harm. Scientists have become alarmed that workers exposed to PFAS have a higher risk of kidney, testicular, and liver cancer. […]
PFAS Contamination Impacts All Branches of Military
The United States Department of Defense has struggled to clean up military bases contaminated with harmful chemicals called PFAS. A review by nonprofit working groups found that out of 50 Air Force or Navy bases with high PFAS contamination, only nine have started making plans to clean up. But none of these plans have been […]