Substances known as PFAS have been the subject of continuous and evolving legal scrutiny from state and federal jurisdictions since 2019. Amid a trend of increasing and diversifying litigation, the end of Q3 2023 shows further legal developments around PFAS with discernible complexities emerging when it comes to the claims and parties involved. This information comes from graphics meticulously updated on a quarterly basis published by Fox Rothschild LLP.
PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances) represent a significant area of environmental concern, thanks to their widespread use and resistant properties. These chemicals are frequently used in numerous industries and commodities due to their water and grease resistance, resulting in their prevalence in nature and the human body. The robustness of these substances connotes potential health and environmental hazards, and it is this concern that underpins the growing wave of PFAS-related lawsuits.
Prominent themes of PFAS lawsuits revolve around personal injury claims, natural resource damages, and citizen suits. Propelled primarily by claims of water contamination and health issues, private litigants and government entities alike continue to seek legal remedies and leverage regulation to address PFAS contamination. Parties to these suits show a similar diversity, including manufacturers of PFAS, companies with PFAS in their supply chains, and waste disposal entities.
Given the continued rise and evolution of PFAS-related lawsuits, the landscape will continue to command attention, both from concerned parties and observers in the wider legal and corporate community. Legal professionals must ensure they stay up-to-date with an ever-shifting landscape, anticipating new developments and preparing for potential complexities that trail this environmental issue.