Dangerous ‘forever chemicals’ found in pets living near chemical plant

Pets living near a chemical plant in Fayetteville, North Carolina, have been found to have dangerous levels of toxic chemicals and exhibit health effects associated with chemical exposure, according to a new research study.

The study looked at blood samples from dogs and horses living near a Chemours Co. plant in North Carolina that manufactures PFAS (perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances), which are commonly referred to as “forever chemicals” because they don’t break down in the environment. The study detected PFAS in every animal blood sample analyzed.

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Residents Report Adverse Health Effects 

Residents near the Chemours plant have drawn a connection between exposure to the chemicals and a prevalence of disease and health concerns among pets and local residents. One resident’s three huskies died of pancreatic cancer. Livestock owners in the area reported high rates of respiratory issues in their horses and birth defects in cattle.

A North Carolina State University researcher noted the study’s analysis of the dogs’ and horses’ blood revealed “biomarkers that suggest adverse kidney and liver impacts.” Exposure to PFAS has been linked to liver, testicular and kidney cancers and other serious diseases in humans.

Multidistrict Litigation Heats Up

Companies that manufacture PFAS have been facing legal action in state and federal courts across the country. Chemours Co. has offered a $1.19 billion settlement with water utilities over drinking water contamination. Meanwhile, multinational conglomerate 3M Co. has offered a settlement of at least $11 billion over water pollution claims in multidistrict litigation.

What are Forever Chemicals?

• PFAS are a large group of long-lasting synthetic chemicals that have been used in consumer products globally since about the 1950s.
• The chemicals are found in the water, air, and soil across the United States and around the globe. They are found in homes and workplaces in a variety of products, including food packaging, household products and personal care products.
• According to the Environmental Working Group (EWG), nearly all Americans – including newborn babies – have PFAs in their blood.
• PFAs contaminate public drinking water; the EWG estimates that more than 200 million people may be drinking PFA-tainted water.

What are the Health Issues Linked to PFAS?

• Peer-reviewed scientific studies have shown that exposure to certain levels of PFAS may lead to:
  • Decreased fertility and increased high blood pressure in pregnant women.
  • Developmental delays in children, including low birth weight and behavioral changes.
  • Increased risk of some cancers, including liver, kidney and testicular cancer and ulcerative colitis.
  • Interference with the body’s natural hormones.
• Over time, people may absorb more PFAS than they excrete, which can lead to bioaccumulation in our bodies.

About Waters Kraus Paul & Siegel

Waters Kraus Paul & Siegel is a national plaintiffs law firm devoted to helping families in personal injury and wrongful death cases involving asbestos and mesothelioma, benzene exposure, dangerous pharmaceuticals, medical devices, and birth defects caused by pesticides, toxic chemicals, opioid use, and semiconductor chip manufacturing. The law firm also represents plaintiffs in qui tam whistleblower matters and cases that uncover false claims submitted to the government. Based in Dallas and with offices in Los Angeles and Moline, Illinois, Waters Kraus Paul & Siegel has represented families from all fifty states and many foreign countries, as well as foreign governments.