A recent investigation published in the Journal of Exposure Science & Environmental Epidemiology reveals a connection between PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances) in drinking water and an increased risk of cancer in the U.S. between 2016 and 2021. By analyzing data from the SEER Program and various PFAS monitoring initiatives, the study identified associations between PFAS exposure and several types of cancer, including those affecting the digestive, respiratory, endocrine, and oral cavity/pharynx systems. Researchers estimate that PFAS contamination in drinking water contributes to between 4,626 and 6,864 cancer cases each year. The study highlights particularly strong associations between PFBS and oral cancers, as well as PFHxS and digestive cancers, emphasizing the health risks linked to these persistent chemicals.
Moreover, the study uncovered gender-specific risks, noting that thyroid and oral cancers in females, as well as brain, urinary, and leukemia cancers in males, are linked to PFAS exposure. Known for their ability to disrupt endocrine function and damage DNA, PFAS compounds are now shown to be associated with a wider range of cancers than previously recognized.
Is more evidence needed to confirm that PFAS cause cancer? Not necessarily, but this new research strengthens our legal position, especially in cases where the connection had not been as clear. By providing scientific backing that directly ties these chemicals to specific cancer types, the study strengthens lawsuits related to PFAS-contaminated drinking water. It supports claims that water suppliers and manufacturers neglected to mitigate known contamination risks. The study’s comprehensive cancer case estimates offer solid grounds for arguing negligence and quantifying damages, making it a crucial asset for ongoing and future legal cases.
