Kidney cancer, also known as renal cell carcinoma, starts in the kidneys, two bean-shaped organs that filter waste products from the blood and remove them from the body as urine. Researchers have identified several risk factors that may increase a person’s risk of developing the disease. One such risk factor is exposure to perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS).
Synthetic Forever Chemicals
Perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are a group of man-made chemicals that manufacturers have widely used in various industrial and consumer products, such as:
- firefighting foam
- non-stick cookware
- waterproof clothing
- furniture manufacturing
- food packaging
These substances persist in the environment and can accumulate in the body over time, potentially causing adverse health effects. These characteristics caused them to be dubbed “Forever Chemicals.” Now, regulators have found widespread PFAS contamination in drinking water, especially near military bases, airports, and manufacturing sites that used these chemicals.
PFAS Exposures Causes Kidney Cancer
Several studies have investigated the potential link between PFAS exposure and kidney cancer. In 2018, a study found that individuals living near a PFAS manufacturing plant had a higher incidence of kidney cancer. This suggests that PFAS exposure may play a role in the development of the disease. Then, in 2020, researchers conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis. That review found a correlation between higher levels of PFAS in the blood and increased risk of kidney cancer. The National Institute of Health has critically reviewed the scientific evidence associating PFAS with cancer and other diseases.
Kidney Cancer Lawsuits
Persons with kidney cancer and PFAS exposures have filed thousands of lawsuits to recover money for their injuries. The personal injury lawsuits for PFAS relate to exposures through ingesting PFAS contaminated drinking water and firefighters who worked with firefighting foam. If you have kidney cancer and believe you were exposed to PFAS, we recommend you consult an attorney who has experience prosecuting firefighting foam and drinking water lawsuits.