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PFOA CONTAMINATION LAWSUITS

Toxic Tort Attorney reviewing C8, PFAS and PFOA toxic exposure cancer lawsuits for plaintiffs nationwide
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PFOA Lawsuits

Perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) is a synthetic chemical that belongs to the PFAS family, often called “forever chemicals” because they do not break down easily in the environment. For decades, manufacturers used PFOA in consumer products such as nonstick cookware, stain-resistant fabrics, food packaging, and firefighting foam. While these products improved convenience, they left behind a dangerous legacy: widespread contamination of water supplies and long-term health risks for exposed communities.

In recent years, lawsuits have been filed across the country against chemical manufacturers and companies that released PFOA into the environment. Victims argue that corporations knew or should have known about the risks but failed to protect workers, residents, and consumers.

Even while known as a cancer-causing agent, there was no federal drinking water standards for PFOA or PFAS until 2024. PFOA is an industrial chemical, carcinogen, liver, developmental, and immune system toxicant, and medical experts note the alteration of human thyroid hormone levels.

And this chemical is in an alarming number of water sources, endangering the American public, and PFOA water contamination has already led to cases of kidney cancer and testicular cancer.

Perfluorooctanoic acid, commonly known as PFOA, is a chemical manufactured by 3M Company and used by industrials like DuPont and Honeywell.

The chemical is present in Teflon products, waterproof coatings and AFFF firefighting foams. Common household brands associated with PFOA include Teflon, STAINMASTER, Scotchgard, and SilverStone.

The chemical has a variety of uses, and yet it is extremely toxic and non-biodegradable, and lingers in thousands of water supplies across the country.

Joe Lyon is an experienced Water Contamination Attorney and Environmental Safety Lawyer investigating PFOA water contamination nationwide.

If you think you have been harmed by PFOA water contamination, or have a property affected by such industrial waste, you may be able to file a lawsuit against the responsible parties.

DuPont C8 Cancer & PFOA Water Contamination

In 2013, a panel of scientists gathered to study Mid-Ohio Valley communities and PFOA contamination from a DuPont plant in West Virginia. The study concluded that there was a “probable link” between toxic water contamination and the following diseases: high cholesterol, ulcerative colitis, thyroid disease, testicular cancer, kidney cancer, and pregnancy-induced hypertension.

DuPont has since agreed to pay cancer victims and settled a class action lawsuit. Many Ohio residents are still being diagnosed with kidney cancer and testicular cancer in the following water districts:

  • Little Hocking (Washington and Athens Counties, OH)
  • Belpre (Washington County, OH)
  • Lubeck (Wood Country, WV)
  • Tuppers Plains (Athens and Meigs Counties, OH)
  • Mason (Mason County, WV)
  • Pomeroy (Meigs County, OH)

PFOA Toxic Exposure

PFOA resists environmental breakdown and remains stubborn in the human body, where it may accumulate and cause health complications. PFOA is used in the following applications:

  • Carpeting
  • Carpet cleaning products
  • Upholstery
  • Apparel
  • Floor wax
  • Sealants
  • Cookware
  • Firefighting foams

The Health and Environmental Impact of PFOA

PFOA exposure has been linked to several health conditions, including kidney cancer, testicular cancer, thyroid disease, ulcerative colitis, and immune system dysfunction. Because PFOA accumulates in the body over time, even low-level exposure through drinking water can pose long-term risks.

Contamination typically occurs when industrial sites discharge wastewater into rivers or when firefighting foam seeps into groundwater near airports or military bases. Communities that rely on local wells or municipal water systems are often the first to discover elevated levels of PFAS chemicals.

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ABOUT THE LYON FIRM

Joseph Lyon has 17 years of experience representing individuals in complex litigation matters. He has represented individuals in every state against many of the largest companies in the world.

The Firm focuses on single-event civil cases and class actions involving corporate neglect & fraud, toxic exposure, product defects & recalls, medical malpractice, and invasion of privacy.

NO COST UNLESS WE WIN

The Firm offers contingency fees, advancing all costs of the litigation, and accepting the full financial risk, allowing our clients full access to the legal system while reducing the financial stress while they focus on their healthcare and financial needs.

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A Voice for Those who have suffered

Why Contact Our Firm?

Litigation against chemical manufacturers and large corporations requires experience, resources, and dedication. Our legal team has represented individuals and communities in complex environmental cases nationwide. We work with scientific and medical experts to trace contamination sources, prove liability, and build strong claims for damages.

When you hire our attorneys, you gain more than legal representation—you gain advocates committed to protecting your health, your property, and your community. We pursue justice aggressively and stand with clients every step of the way.

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Questions about PFOA Contamination

How do I know if I have been exposed to PFOA?

If you live near a manufacturing plant, airport, or military site with documented PFAS contamination, or if your water utility has reported elevated PFAS levels, you may have been exposed.

What are the signs of PFOA-related illness?

There is no single symptom, but conditions such as chronic thyroid issues, kidney problems, or certain cancers have been linked to exposure. A medical professional can evaluate your risk.

Can property owners sue for contamination?

Yes. Property owners may bring claims for reduced property values, loss of use, and the costs of installing filtration systems.

Are lawsuits filed individually or as class actions?

Both options exist. In many cases, multiple communities file lawsuits together, while some cases are consolidated into multidistrict litigation (MDL) for efficiency.

Is there a time limit to file?

Yes. Each state sets deadlines known as statutes of limitations. It’s important to consult an attorney quickly after learning of contamination.

Taking Legal Action

Victims of PFOA contamination may pursue claims under several legal theories:

  • Negligence: alleging that companies failed to safely handle or dispose of PFOA.

  • Product liability: claiming that PFOA-containing products were defective and unreasonably dangerous.

  • Public and private nuisance: addressing the interference with clean water and safe living conditions.

  • Failure to warn: targeting companies that withheld information about health risks.

Successful lawsuits can result in compensation for medical expenses, loss of property value, relocation costs, and in some cases, punitive damages meant to hold corporations accountable.

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