People exposed to PFAS could sue for medical monitoring costs, under US legislation

By Cheryl Hogue | C&EN | April 23, 2021

"People who were significantly exposed to per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) could sue makers of these chemicals to pay for health monitoring, under a bill introduced in the US Congress April 22.

If enacted into law, the legislation could mean significant liabilities for companies that did or do make these highly persistent “forever chemicals” and release them into the environment. The compounds are valued for their ability to repel water and oil and ability to withstand extreme conditions. Some, but not all, PFAS are toxic.

Activists in communities with PFAS contamination point out that it could take years for children and adults with high levels of these chemicals in their bodies to develop health problems as a result of their exposure. To catch such illness early and get treatment as soon as possible, they want medical monitoring."

Topics:

• ChemicalsPFAS
• Environment
• ImpactDrinking water
• ImpactAgriculture
• Affected community
• Health
• Legislation
• Monitoring Data
• PFAS Uses