Lawyers warn the plastics industry of an impending wave of lawsuits over PFAS, potentially surpassing asbestos litigation in scale and cost.
Hiroko Tabuchi reports for The New York Times.
In short:
- Brian Gross, a defense lawyer, warned that PFAS-related lawsuits could have "astronomical" costs, surpassing asbestos litigation.
- PFAS, known as "forever chemicals," are linked to serious health risks and are found in many everyday products.
- The EPA recently designated two PFAS chemicals as hazardous, prompting further litigation from water utilities and communities.
Key quote:
“Pretty much every one of us in the United States is walking around with PFAS in our bodies.”
— Erik Olson, senior strategic director for environmental health at the NRDC
Why this matters:
PFAS exposure is a serious public health concern, affecting millions of Americans. As the legal landscape evolves, the push for accountability and safer practices intensifies, highlighting the need for systemic change in environmental regulations. Read more: PFAS cosmetics studies are “springboard” for litigation.
