PFAS Exposure Investigation — Forever Chemicals

Published: August 20, 2025 · Updated: June 18, 2026

▼ Investigation · Allegations Only

This article describes an ongoing investigation and PFAS-related litigation. The statements below are unproven allegations. This page is informational and is not legal or medical advice. Eligibility and any recovery would depend on the facts of an individual case.

Status Under Investigation attorneys evaluating PFAS exposure claims

Source of Exposure Water & consumer products contaminated drinking water, firefoam, cookware, clothing, and more

Estimated Payout Varies depends on diagnosis, exposure, and the facts of each case

Proof Required Yes proof of exposure and a qualifying diagnosis

What Is This About?

Attorneys are evaluating claims from individuals whose health may have been affected by products or water containing toxic "forever chemicals" called PFAS — per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances. PFAS (fluorinated surfactants) are one of the key components in Class B fluorinated foams used in fire suppression systems, and they appear in a wide range of industrial and consumer products.

PFAS are chemicals used in industrial production and oil processing, and they have contaminated some drinking water supplies. PFAS can also be found in numerous everyday products such as nonstick cookware, clothing, cosmetics, and the foams firefighters use to put out fuel fires. Certain per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances are understood to be dangerous to health, including perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) and perfluorooctanesulfonate (PFOS).

PFAS have been associated with cancer, suppressed immune function, interference with normal hormone and thyroid function, and reproductive harm. If your health may have been affected by PFAS exposure, you may have a claim.

PFAS Class Action Settlements

A number of PFAS-related class actions have already resolved. These show how PFAS claims have been handled:

• $5,000,000 3M PFAS Settlement — In 2022, 3M Company resolved a PFAS class action for a $5,000,000 fund over allegations it had polluted soil, groundwater, surface water, sediment, air, and fish by discharging certain PFAS substances.

• $5,000,000 Thinx Underwear PFAS Settlement — In 2023, Thinx resolved a class action over allegations that some of its underwear may have contained PFAS chemicals.

• $1,400,000 Knix PFAS Class Action Settlement — In 2024, Knix resolved a $1,400,000 class action over allegations that its products contained synthetic PFAS substances.

If your PFAS exposure came from firefighting foam at or near a military base, see our related AFFF Firefoam PFAS Water Contamination Lawsuit page.

How Do I Qualify?

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has reported that many Americans have had exposure to PFAS, often at relatively low concentrations. Researchers have associated PFAS exposure with a range of potential health effects, including:

• Reproductive health effects
• Increased blood pressure in pregnant women
• Decreased fertility
• Low birth weight in children
• Developmental delays in children
• Accelerated puberty
• Variations in bone density
• Increased risk of prostate, kidney, and testicular cancers
• Reduced immune response, including reduced ability to fight infections
• Reduced vaccine response
• Interference with the body's natural hormone processes
• Increased cholesterol levels
• Increased risk of obesity

If you or a loved one were exposed to PFAS and you believe your health was affected, consult a qualified medical professional about your symptoms.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are PFAS forever chemicals?

PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances) are a large family of synthetic chemicals used in industrial production, oil processing, and many consumer products. They are called forever chemicals because they do not break down easily and can accumulate in water, soil, and the human body. PFOA and PFOS are two of the most studied PFAS compounds.

How are people exposed to PFAS?

Common exposure routes include contaminated drinking water, nonstick cookware, certain clothing and cosmetics, and firefighting foams such as AFFF. The EPA has reported that many Americans have had some level of PFAS exposure, often at relatively low concentrations.

What health effects are associated with PFAS?

Researchers have associated PFAS exposure with effects including certain cancers (such as kidney and testicular cancer), thyroid disease, reproductive and developmental effects, immune-system effects, and increased cholesterol, among others studied by the EPA and public-health researchers.

Is there a settlement or anything to claim yet?

This page describes an investigation into PFAS exposure and ongoing PFAS litigation. It is informational and not legal advice. Eligibility and any recovery would depend on the facts of an individual case.

Sources

• U.S. EPA — Our Current Understanding of the Human Health and Environmental Risks of PFAS

Important Disclosures

Information on OpenClassActions.com is for general informational purposes and does not constitute medical or legal advice. You should consult a qualified attorney about your individual situation and a medical professional about your health. This page does not create an attorney-client relationship.

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