Experienced PFAS Injury & Illness Attorneys in Austin, Texas
Holding Polluters Accountable for PFAS Exposure in Texas
Major manufacturers, including 3M, Chemours, DuPont, and more than twenty others, have been facing lawsuits for knowingly contaminating the environment with “forever chemicals” called PFAS. These synthetic substances have been linked to serious health risks, including cancer, reproductive issues, and autoimmune disorders.
Since the 1940s, perfluoroalkyl (PFA) and polyfluoroalkyl (PFO) substances have been used in hundreds of consumer and industrial products throughout the United States. Lawsuits claim that PFAS and PFOA toxic chemicals in certain products and groundwater far exceed the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) health guidelines.
In June 2022, the EPA issued drinking water advisories for PFAS, warning that even minute concentrations—levels so low they cannot be detected—could cause adverse health effects. Unfortunately, several Texas communities and military bases are at heightened risk of exposure, making it imperative for affected residents to seek legal guidance.
High-Risk Areas for PFAS Contamination in Texas
Certain areas in Texas have been identified as high-risk due to elevated PFAS levels in public water systems, agricultural land, and military bases.
They include, but are not limited to:
- Public Water Systems
As of April 2024, nearly 50 Texas public water systems reported PFAS levels exceeding the EPA’s new limits.
High-risk cities include:
In Johnson County, PFAS-laden biosolids have contaminated farmland and livestock. One alarming case involved a stillborn calf with extreme PFAS levels in its liver, highlighting risks to both agriculture and human health.
- Private Wells
In Lubbock County, past PFAS contamination in private drinking water wells has led to heightened PFAS levels in residents’ bodies, posing ongoing health risks.
- Houston & Surrounding Areas
Houston has numerous potential PFAS sources, including industrial sites, wastewater treatment plants, and airports, contributing to widespread contamination risks.
- Texas Military Bases
Military personnel face an increased risk of PFAS exposure due to firefighting foam used in training exercises.
High-risk bases include:
- Dyess Air Force Base: Detected elevated PFAS levels in drinking water.
- Fort Hood (now Fort Cavazos): Ongoing monitoring for compliance with safety standards.
- Ellington Field Joint Reserve Base: Identified among military bases with potential or confirmed PFAS contamination.
Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton filed a lawsuit in December 2024 against major manufacturers, alleging they falsely advertised PFAS-containing products as safe despite known health risks. This lawsuit underscores Texas’ commitment to holding polluters accountable.
How Are Individuals and Families Being Exposed to PFAS?
Knowing when or how you might be exposed to PFAS is nearly impossible, as these toxic chemicals are odorless, tasteless, and resistant to breaking down in the environment. Found in everyday products, PFAS can unknowingly enter the body through routine activities. Because of their widespread use and persistence, individuals and families may be exposed without realizing the long-term health risks associated with ingestion or contact.
Common ways Texans are exposed to PFAS include:
- Contaminated drinking water.
- PFAS-laden biosolids used as fertilizers.
- Industrial facilities where PFAS are manufactured or used.
- Firefighting foam exposure (military and civilian firefighters).
- Contaminated food sources, including fish and livestock.
- Household products like water-resistant fabrics, non-stick cookware, and cosmetics.
If you or a loved one has been exposed to PFAS through your occupation, community, or consumer products, our Texas mass tort attorneys are here to help, starting with a free consultation.
Health Risks Associated with PFAS Exposure in Texas and Nationwide
The health risks associated with PFAS exposure are a growing concern in Texas and across the nation. These toxic chemicals accumulate in the body over time, potentially leading to severe medical conditions. Because PFAS do not break down quickly, long-term exposure—even at low levels—can have lasting health effects.
Ongoing research continues to uncover the full extent of the dangers, making it critical for individuals exposed to understand the potential risks and seek medical and legal guidance.
The International Agency for Research on Cancer reports that individuals regularly exposed to PFAS have an increased risk of developing severe illnesses, including:
- Cancers:
- Bladder.
- Breast.
- Colon.
- Kidney.
- Liver.
- Lymphoma.
- Pancreatic.
- Prostate.
- Testicular.
- Thyroid.
- Other Health Conditions:
- Decreased infant birth weights.
- Elevated cholesterol levels.
- Increased risk of high blood pressure or pre-eclampsia in pregnant women.
- Ulcerative colitis.
WE ALSO FOCUS ON THE FOLLOWING PRACTICE AREAS:
- Bicycle Accident
- Boat Accident
- Car Accident
- Civil Litigation
- Child Care
- 18 Wheeler Truck Accident
- Catastrophic Injury
- DWI Accident
- Motorcycle Accident
- Ozempic Wegovy Rybelus
- Social Media Addiction
- Workplace Injury
- Product Liability
- Pedestrian Accident
Contact Our Texas PFAS Attorneys for a Free Consultation
If you have suffered a severe illness due to PFAS exposure in Texas, call our skilled Austin personal injury attorneys at (512) 883-0277 or contact us online for a free consultation. Glen Larson Law Injury Attorneys is committed to fighting for justice and holding chemical companies accountable for contaminating our environment and endangering public health.
We pursue dedicated, driven results for our clients, and there is never a charge to talk to an attorney. We stand ready to help you.