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Can You Sue if You Were Hurt by PFOA and PFOS Chemicals?
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    Can You Sue if You Were Hurt by PFOA and PFOS Chemicals?

    Perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) and perfluorooctanesulfonic acid (PFOS) are chemicals that exist in a wide range of products that we use every day. Unbeknownst to many of us, these chemicals could be slowly affecting our health and possibly even causing some individuals to develop dangerous illnesses. If you or a family member was seriously injured after being in contact with PFOA or PFOS acid, you should consult with an experienced Philadelphia personal injury lawyer today.

    The Reiff Law Firm has served the residents of Philadelphia and southeast Pennsylvania for decades, and we would be proud to represent you. Our legal team understands the complexity involved with filing a personal injury lawsuit, and we are here to guide you through the process. You do not have to fight your injury case alone, call the Reiff Law Firm at (215) 709-6940 for a free legal consultation.

    What are PFOA and PFOS?

    Perfluorooctanoic acid and perfluorooctanesulfonic acid are manufactured chemicals that cannot be produced by nature. The biggest quantities of PFOA and PFOS acid are created within the United States. After they are produced, these chemicals can remain in the air, soil, and water for several weeks as they breakdown extremely slowly. As a result, many people who have not made direct contact with PFOA or PFOS acid typically have low levels of these chemicals in their bloodstream.

    PFOA and PFOS acid are used in various consumer products:

    • Carpets
    • Clothing
    • Dental floss
    • Paper coating
    • Cookware like Teflon and nonstick pots and pans
    • Furniture
    • Microwave popcorn bags
    • Pizza boxes
    • Nail polish and eye makeup
    • Various other products

    Additionally, several industries use PFOA and PFOS acid for various types of processes:

    • Insect bait
    • Metal plating
    • Medical devices
    • Printer components
    • Rubber and plastic manufacturing
    • Aviation hydraulic fluid
    • Foam used in firefighting

    With this many uses for PFOA and PFOS acid, it is easy for a person to be exposed to both of these chemicals whether they work as a firefighter or simply decide to chew a stick of gum. To learn more about health risks associated with these acids and how to file a claim for your injuries, you should continue reading and speak with an experienced Philadelphia personal injury attorney.

    Common Health Issues Caused by PFOA and PFOS Acid

    The most common way to be exposed to PFOA and PFOS acid is from the air, water, food, or many of the products listed above. Studies have also shown that children are more likely to be exposed to these acids when crawling or sitting on carpets or other upholstery that was treated with these chemicals. Some children have even been exposed due to breast milk that contained some level of PFOA or PFOS.

    It is difficult to determine how much PFOA or PFOS will remain in your bloodstream upon consuming it with food or by making contact with the chemicals in the air or directly. However, it is estimated that the chemicals can remain in your bloodstream for over four years. This consistent level of exposure can result in various health issues. For example, a high level of PFOA and PFOS in a person’s bloodstream may trigger an increase in a person’s cholesterol levels.

    Additionally, studies in mice have also shown that PFOA and PFOS acid can cause liver damage. While studies are still being conducted, it appears that these chemicals are capable of attacking a person’s immune system. It is also known that PFOA and PFOS acid are linked to an increase of uric acid levels which can affect a person’s blood pressure.

    There is no direct link to whether PFOA and PFOS acid can cause cancer in humans. Certain studies have revealed that some people with kidney, prostate, and testicular cancers have been shown to have elevated levels of both chemicals in their bloodstream. However, the information regarding these findings is still inconclusive.

    It is important to note that while studies are still being conducted, scientists believe that PFOA and PFOS acid may have a more pronounced effect on children. For example, high levels of both chemicals may affect a child’s growth and behavior.

    If you want to file a personal injury or product liability lawsuit for overexposure to PFOA and PFOS acid, you should not waste any time. There is only a limited amount of time to file these cases in Pennsylvania and failing to file on time could affect your case. Our firm will work with you to determine whether PFOA and PFOS acid are responsible for the injuries you suffered.

    Our Philadelphia Product Liability Attorneys are Prepared to Work with You

    If you or a family member was injured by prolonged contact with PFOA or PFOS acid, you should contact an experienced Philadelphia product liability attorney today. At the Reiff Law Firm, we are invested in helping our clients pursue the compensation they deserve for their injuries. To schedule a free legal consultation to discuss your claim, contact the Reiff Law Firm at (215) 709-6940.

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