Microplastics found in fresh snow on Antarctica
Scientists recently discovered microplastics from clothing and water bottles in Antarctic snowfall for the first time. Antarctica now joins the growing list of our planet’s most remote locations where microplastics have been found including Mount Everest and the Marianas Trench. Microplastic pollution is known to cause irreversible negative effects on the environment and even human […]
EPA Probes Environmental Justice in Louisiana Projects
The EPA is investigating two complaints against the Louisiana Department of Environmental Quality and Department of Health that accuse the agencies of neglecting environmental justice in Cancer Alley. Activists are urging the departments to develop policies that address and prevent the disproportionate burden of air pollution suffered by Black communities located near chemical plants between […]
AFFF Government Contractor Defense
Aqueous Film Forming Foams (“AFFF”) are used to extinguish petroleum-based fuel and other flammable liquid fires. The AFFF litigation involves injuries sustained as a result of exposure to AFFF containing fluorocarbon molecules. Fluorocarbon molecules contain or may break down into PFAS and PFOS. PFAS and PFOS are “forever chemicals” that never leave the body and […]
Bicycle Accidents In Louisiana
Bicycle accidents increase as bicycle riding increases. Gas is $4.42/ gallon and prices keep climbing. They show no signs of stopping. Instead of driving to work, you might think about riding your bike. Saving money on gas, fresh air, and exercise are great benefits. But there are risks that come with riding a bicycle on […]
Firefighter Exposure Pathways to AFFF
Firefighter exposure to cancer causing chemicals is a serious issue. Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are a large family of man-made chemical compounds that can be found in firefighting foam and turnout gear. Two PFAS compounds, perfluorooctane acid (PFOA) and perfluorooctanesulfonic acid (PFOS), were often in firefighting aqueous film forming foam (AFFF). These chemicals enter […]
“PFS”- What is a Plaintiff Fact Sheet?
A Plaintiff Fact Sheet (“PFS”) is a court mandated questionnaire plaintiffs must fill out in the discovery phase of litigation. During discovery, the parties exchange information. Normally, this is done through interrogatories and requests for production, but in Multidistrict Litigations (“MDL”) and other consolidated proceedings, plaintiffs submit information to defendants by completing Plaintiff Fact Sheets. […]
PFAS in Fast Food Packaging
Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are widely used chemicals that persist in the environment for very long periods of time earning them the nickname “Forever Chemicals.” PFAS are found in water, air, soil, and food sources all over the world. PFAS have been primarily linked to testicular and kidney cancer, but animal studies also suggest […]
Soft Tissue Injuries From Car Crashes
Soft tissue injuries from a car crash can have dramatic effects. Often, we think of a car crash as a violent explosion of metal, glass, and plastic. But it is not always so. Some crashes do not have a lot of visible property damage to either car. Yet the personal injuries can be surprisingly bad. […]
Houston Plant Fire Case Gets Class Cert
A victory in the Wheeler v. Arkema Plant Fire Case in Crosby, TX occurred yesterday. Judge Ellison of the Federal District Court for the Southern District of Texas issued an Order certifying a class of approximately 28,000 people (over 10,000 properties). The full 111-page order can be read here: Arkema Ruling on Class Certification and […]
Am I being exposed to PFOS/PFAS?
Unlike just 5 years ago, most people have now heard about the “Forever Chemicals” known as per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances. These chemicals are more commonly referred to as PFAS. PFAS are widely used in numerous products from food containers to infant car seats. PFAS are known as Forever Chemicals because the components break down extremely […]