Attorneys are investigating claims against manufacturers of PFAS “forever chemicals” that have contaminated drinking water for millions of Americans. With over 15,000 lawsuits consolidated into a massive federal MDL and more than $12 billion in settlements already reached, this investigation continues to expand as new contamination sites are discovered nationwide.
What Are PFAS and Why Are They Dangerous?
Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are a group of synthetic chemicals that have been manufactured and used in a wide range of industries since the 1940s. Known as “forever chemicals” because they do not break down naturally in the environment, PFAS have been found in the blood of 97% of Americans tested by the CDC.
PFAS exposure has been linked to serious health conditions including kidney cancer, testicular cancer, thyroid disease, liver damage, immune system suppression, and reproductive harm. A growing body of research has also uncovered a potential link between PFAS exposure and an increased risk of developing multiple sclerosis.
Scale of the Contamination
Recent data from the Environmental Protection Agency indicates that an additional 7 million Americans are now affected by drinking water contaminated with PFAS, bringing the total number of exposed communities to record levels. The contamination stems primarily from:
- Aqueous film-forming foam (AFFF) used at military bases, airports, and fire training facilities
- Industrial discharge from manufacturing plants that produced or used PFAS compounds
- Consumer products including non-stick cookware, food packaging, and stain-resistant fabrics
- Wastewater treatment plants that cannot filter out PFAS before releasing water back into the environment
Current Litigation Status
As of March 2026, there are 15,216 PFAS-related lawsuits consolidated in the Aqueous Film-Forming Foams multidistrict litigation (MDL No. 2873) in the District of South Carolina. The litigation is approaching bellwether trials expected to begin later in 2026, which will set the tone for future settlement negotiations.
Major settlements reached so far include:
| Defendant | Settlement Amount |
| 3M Company | $10.3 billion |
| Chemours, DuPont & Corteva | $1.18 billion |
| BASF | $316 million |
| Tyco Fire Products | $750 million |
| DuPont/Chemours/Corteva (NJ) | $2 billion |
| 3M (NJ settlement) | $450 million |
Who May Be Affected?
You may be eligible to participate in this investigation if you:
- Live or have lived near a military base, airport, or industrial facility that used PFAS-containing products
- Have been diagnosed with kidney cancer, testicular cancer, thyroid disease, ulcerative colitis, or other PFAS-linked conditions
- Receive drinking water from a public water system with detected PFAS contamination
- Have been exposed to AFFF firefighting foam through your occupation
What Compensation May Be Available?
Individual PFAS personal injury claims are being evaluated based on the specific health condition, duration of exposure, and proximity to contamination sources. While per-person settlement amounts have not yet been established through the MDL process, attorneys estimate that individual payouts for cancer-related claims could be significant given the scale of prior settlements with water utilities.
Public water systems have already begun receiving payments from the $10.3 billion 3M settlement fund, with distributions expected to continue through 2036.
This page is for informational purposes and does not constitute legal advice. If you believe you have been affected by PFAS contamination, consult with a qualified attorney to evaluate your potential claim.