“Forever chemicals,” or per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), are a defining environmental and public health challenge of our time. Used for decades in a wide range of industrial and consumer products, these chemicals persist indefinitely in the environment and accumulate in the human body. As new scientific evidence links PFAS exposure to serious health conditions like cancer, litigation tied to these chemicals is intensifying.
From massive settlements with water utilities and chemical companies to personal injury claims brought by firefighters and communities exposed to contaminated water, PFAS litigation is growing more complex and pervasive. How can you help protect your clients as the scope and impact of these lawsuits expand into previously untouched territory?
Industries Impacted by PFAS Litigation
PFAS litigation is no longer confined to industries directly handling these chemicals. The far-reaching nature of PFAS contamination has drawn unexpected sectors into its web, exposing businesses that might have once believed themselves immune to such risks.
Manufacturing
Industries that use PFAS in their production processes are highly liable for contamination. Cleanup costs and legal battles are already mounting for these businesses.
Fresh Water and Waste Water Utilities
Water suppliers face PFAS litigation due to the contamination of drinking water sources. Wastewater treatment facilities also contribute, as PFAS persist in incoming water and are discharged back into the environment, making them a key source of recontamination.
Airports
PFAS contamination from firefighting foam training exercises is a growing issue. One example includes an airport on the East Coast that now faces costs associated with ongoing testing and providing fresh bottled water to surrounding residents that formerly relied on groundwater.
Firefighting
Firefighters exposed to PFAS-containing foam are filing bodily injury claims, citing increased cancer risks and other health conditions.
Consumer Goods
More and more examples of PFAS in everyday products are coming to light, further broadening the scope of litigation. Even corporate giants in the tech industry are embroiled in controversy.
Trends in PFAS Litigation
The future of PFAS litigation promises to reshape industries and challenge businesses in unprecedented ways. As the legal and regulatory landscape evolves, companies need to prepare for new waves of lawsuits and mounting financial risks.
Water Supplier Claims
In recent years, major chemical companies have settled lawsuits with water utilities for more than $11 billion, reflecting the growing financial pressures associated with PFAS contamination cleanup.
Bodily Injury Lawsuits
Claims from firefighters exposed to PFAS-containing firefighting foam are gaining traction. Additionally, individuals who consumed contaminated water are pursuing personal injury lawsuits, with some alleging cancer and other serious health conditions linked to PFAS exposure.
Emerging Claims
Litigation is expanding beyond water and foam. For example, proposed class-action lawsuits have targeted PFAS in consumer goods such as carpets and food packaging. As more pathways for exposure are identified, the scale of liability continues to grow.
The Role of Science
The success of many PFAS lawsuits hinges on scientific evidence linking exposure to specific health outcomes. Defendants and insurers remain skeptical about causation, but ongoing studies will play a pivotal role in shaping the legal landscape.
How Environmental Insurance Can Mitigate Financial Exposure
As PFAS litigation grows, environmental insurance becomes a vital resource for businesses to manage financial exposure. PFAS litigation draws parallels to asbestos lawsuits, which spanned decades and resulted in significant financial repercussions. Agents can help clients prepare for long-tail liabilities by securing comprehensive environmental insurance. From bodily injury to clean-up costs, including associated legal defense fees, environmental insurance provides vital financial protection for companies facing PFAS-related claims. As a leader in environmental insurance, Jencap offers tailored solutions for industries impacted by PFAS. With a deep understanding of regulatory frameworks and emerging risks, Jencap’s experts help clients navigate complex claims and secure the coverage they need to stay protected. Reach out to our Environmental Practice to learn more.
