PFAS Exposure in Ohio: What It Means for Your Health and Rights
Are the products you use daily putting your family’s health at risk? Uncover the truth about PFAS contamination and your options for legal action.
Are the products you use daily putting your family’s health at risk? Uncover the truth about PFAS contamination and your options for legal action.
PFAS, found in everything from non-stick cookware to firefighting foam, are known as “forever chemicals” because they don’t break down in the environment — or in your body.
Across the country, PFAS lawsuits are piling up against companies like 3M and DuPont. PFAS attorneys claim that these manufacturers produced PFAS for years despite knowing the potential dangers: contamination of water supplies, environmental damage, and an increased risk of PFAS-related illnesses like cancer, thyroid disease, and hormone disruption.
On this page, you’ll find:
- A breakdown of what PFAS chemicals are and why they’re dangerous
- Potential health risks associated with PFAS exposure
- Up-to-date information on PFAS cases across Ohio
What Are PFAS Chemicals?
Per- and poly-fluoroalkyl substances, commonly known as PFAS chemicals, are called “forever chemicals” for a reason: they don’t break down in the environment or your body. This means that PFAS exposure can lead to a buildup of these harmful substances over time, increasing the risk of serious health problems.
You might be surprised to learn just how common PFAS are. They lurk in everyday products, such as:
- Clothing
- Carpet
- Fabric treatments
- Adhesives
- Food packaging
- Non-stick cookware
- Firefighting foams
Potential Health Risks of PFAS Exposure
Over 110 million Americans have been exposed to PFAS-contaminated water supplies; yet, scientists are still learning more about PFAS-related illnesses. While research is ongoing, it’s clear that these chemicals can impact various systems in the body — some potential symptoms include:
- High cholesterol
- Changes in liver enzyme levels
- Hormone disruption
- Thyroid disease
- Testicular cancer
- Kidney cancer
- Ulcerative colitis
- Liver cancer
When it comes to complex legal challenges like PFAS litigation, experience matters. At Slater & Zurz, we have a proven track record of success in mass tort cases, helping thousands of clients navigate complex legal issues and secure positive outcomes.
Our award-winning attorneys in Akron, Canton, Cleveland, Cincinnati, Toledo, and Columbus have the knowledge, resources, and dedication to fight for your rights and help you get the justice you deserve.
The State of PFAS Cases in Ohio
Ohio is at the forefront of the fight against PFAS contamination. As more cases emerge across the state, Slater & Zurz is committed to empowering Ohio residents to take action and seek justice against the corporations responsible for this environmental and public health threat.
Here’s the progress being made:
- Statewide action: Ohio Governor Mike DeWine and state agencies are actively working to reduce Ohioans’ exposure to PFAS through initiatives like the PFAS Action Plan 2.0, which focuses on mitigation, sampling, investigation, and monitoring of these “forever chemicals.”
- Protecting firefighters: In a landmark move, Ohio banned the use of PFAS-laden AFFF in firefighter training in 2022 and is actively funding the collection and destruction of this harmful foam across the state. Over 13,725 gallons of AFFF were collected from 121 fire departments in just two months in 2024.
- Growing litigation: PFAS personal injury lawsuits are rising nationwide, with over 9,000 active cases as of July 2024. Many of these cases, including those in Ohio, seek compensation for individuals harmed by PFAS exposure.
- Landmark 3M PFAS settlements: Recent settlements with major PFAS manufacturers like 3M and DuPont have provided billions of dollars to address water contamination and support affected communities.
- Increased regulation: In April 2024, the EPA officially classified two specific types of PFAS — PFOA and PFOS — as hazardous substances, marking an important step in regulating these chemicals. This decision is pushing for stricter enforcement and cleanup efforts to protect public health.
See the widespread impact of PFAS contamination on this interactive map from the Environmental Working Group. If your community is affected, you may have legal options.
Firefighting Foam Exposure and AFFF Lawsuits
AFFF (aqueous film-forming foam) is a type of firefighting foam that has been widely used to extinguish flammable liquid fires, often at military bases and industrial sites. If you’re a firefighter or someone who lives or has lived near these sites, you may have been unknowingly exposed to high levels of PFAS.
Unfortunately, this exposure can have serious health consequences. As of September 2022, over 3,000 AFFF lawsuits had been filed by individuals seeking justice for injuries.
If you believe you’ve been affected by AFFF exposure, don’t wait to take action. Contact Slater & Zurz today at 866-948-6426 or fill out our form to discuss your legal options.
Don’t Wait. Act Now.
Worried about PFAS exposure? If you believe contaminated water or everyday products may be affecting your health, it’s important to be aware of the potential consequences and take action quickly.
At Slater & Zurz, we’re here to make it as simple as possible for you to understand your rights and explore your options.
We know you’re hurting, and the last thing you need is to be bounced around. When you call us, you’ll speak to one of our experienced attorneys.
From day one, we’ll gather medical records, file the proper reports, and deal with insurance companies on your behalf. In other words, you focus on getting better, and we’ll handle the fight.
We've recovered millions for injury victims across Ohio. We don’t stop at quick settlements; instead, we push for full accountability and compensation that reflects what you’ve really lost.
No upfront fees means there’s zero risk to get started.
