Toxic Exposure · PFAS
PFAS (Forever Chemicals)
MDL 2873 — 'forever chemicals' in drinking water and AFFF firefighting foam
PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances) are a family of synthetic 'forever chemicals' that do not break down in the environment or the human body. They have been detected in the drinking water of tens of millions of Americans — largely from aqueous film-forming foam (AFFF) used at military bases, airports, and fire training sites, and from industrial discharges. Personal-injury and water-provider cases are consolidated in federal court in South Carolina.
Background
What this litigation is about.
PFAS include PFOA, PFOS, GenX, and thousands of related compounds. Manufacturers including 3M, DuPont, Chemours, Corteva, and Tyco/Chemguard have known for decades — internal documents show — that these chemicals bioaccumulate and are associated with serious disease.
MDL 2873 in the District of South Carolina before Judge Richard Gergel consolidates AFFF cases: personal-injury claims brought by firefighters and residents of contaminated communities, and 'water provider' cases brought by public water systems forced to install PFAS filtration.
In 2023–2024, 3M announced a settlement of up to ~$12.5 billion with U.S. public water systems, and DuPont, Chemours, and Corteva announced a combined ~$1.185 billion water-provider settlement. Personal-injury bellwether cases remain on track in the MDL, and state attorney general actions continue in parallel.
Reported injuries
Reported concerns and potential losses.
Kidney cancer
One of the diseases most strongly linked to PFOA/PFOS exposure in epidemiologic studies.
Testicular cancer
Elevated rates observed in exposed populations, including firefighters.
Thyroid disease
Hypothyroidism and thyroid cancer associated with elevated PFAS serum levels.
Ulcerative colitis
Recognized by the C8 Science Panel as having a probable link to PFOA.
Liver damage
Elevated liver enzymes and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease.
Preeclampsia & pregnancy complications
Higher rates reported in exposed pregnancies.
Individual review
Facts that may be relevant.
You worked as a firefighter (military, municipal, or airport ARFF) with regular AFFF exposure.
You served on or lived near a military base, airport, or industrial site with confirmed PFAS contamination.
You were later diagnosed with kidney cancer, testicular cancer, thyroid disease, ulcerative colitis, or another qualifying condition.
You have medical records confirming the diagnosis and can establish approximate years/locations of exposure.
Key events
A timeline of what has happened so far.
1960s–1970s
3M develops AFFF; internal studies begin to identify persistence and toxicity concerns for PFOA/PFOS.
2000–2002
3M phases out PFOS production; PFAS contamination becomes a growing public health issue.
2011–2013
The C8 Science Panel finds 'probable links' between PFOA and kidney cancer, testicular cancer, thyroid disease, ulcerative colitis, preeclampsia, and high cholesterol.
Dec 2018
JPML consolidates AFFF cases as MDL 2873 in the District of South Carolina before Judge Gergel.
Jun 2023
3M announces up to ~$12.5 billion settlement with U.S. public water systems; DuPont/Chemours/Corteva announce ~$1.185 billion combined water-provider settlement.
Apr 2024
EPA finalizes first-ever enforceable national drinking-water standards (MCLs) for six PFAS compounds.
Frequently asked
Questions answered plainly.
This page is for general information only, is not legal advice, and does not create an attorney-client relationship. Case statuses, MDL orders, and settlement terms change; call our office for a current review of your specific situation.
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