Are You Exposed to PFAS in New Jersey or Pennsylvania? Health Risks and Legal Rights Explained

Introduction

If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with cancer or another serious illness, you may be wondering if toxic chemicals played a role. In recent years, attention has focused on PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances) — often called “forever chemicals” because they do not break down in the environment or the human body.

Communities across New Jersey and Pennsylvania have discovered PFAS contamination in drinking water and soil, particularly near military bases, airports, and chemical plants. For residents and workers in these areas, the health risks are real — and so are the legal options for seeking compensation.

This guide explains what PFAS are, the illnesses most strongly linked to exposure, where contamination has been found locally, and what rights you may have if you’ve been harmed.

What Are PFAS, PFOA, and PFOS?

PFAS are a large family of man-made chemicals used since the 1940s for their resistance to heat, water, and oil. Two of the most studied are PFOA and PFOS. They were widely used in:

• Nonstick cookware (Teflon)

• Stain-resistant carpets and clothing

• Firefighting foam (AFFF)

• Food packaging and waterproof products

Because PFAS do not break down, they accumulate in soil, groundwater, and in people. According to the CDC, nearly all Americans have measurable levels of PFAS in their blood.

PFAS Exposure in New Jersey and Pennsylvania

Both states have been identified as PFAS contamination hotspots.

• New Jersey: The NJ Department of Environmental Protection (NJDEP) has found PFAS in public water systems across the state. Contamination has been linked to industrial sites, military bases (like Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst), and manufacturing facilities.

• Pennsylvania: Communities near Naval Air Station Joint Reserve Base Willow Grove and Horsham Air Guard Station have faced widespread groundwater contamination from firefighting foam.

• The EPA (2024) recently set strict new national limits for PFAS in drinking water, forcing municipalities in NJ and PA to take urgent action.

For residents, this means many people may have been unknowingly exposed for years.

Health Risks Linked to PFAS Exposure

Research has connected PFAS exposure to several serious illnesses. The strongest evidence links PFAS to:

• Kidney cancer

• Testicular cancer

• Thyroid disease (including hypothyroidism and thyroid cancer)

• Ulcerative colitis

Other studies suggest PFAS may also contribute to:

• High cholesterol

• Liver damage

• Immune system suppression

• Fertility and pregnancy complications

The Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR) and EPA both recognize these health risks, especially for people with long-term exposure.

How PFAS Exposure Happens

Many New Jersey and Pennsylvania residents were exposed through:

• Drinking water contaminated by industrial or military sites

• Workplace exposure, especially firefighters, chemical plant employees, and military personnel

• Living near contaminated areas where PFAS seeped into soil and groundwater

Because these chemicals build up in the body, even low levels of exposure over time can be harmful.

Your Legal Rights in PFAS Cases

If you’ve been diagnosed with a PFAS-related illness, you may have the right to pursue compensation. Legal claims often cover:

• Medical expenses (past and future)

• Lost wages and reduced earning capacity

• Pain, suffering, and emotional distress

• Wrongful death damages (for families who lost a loved one)

There are different types of PFAS lawsuits:

• Individual personal injury claims for diagnosed illnesses

• Class actions / mass torts for groups of residents exposed to contaminated drinking water

• Claims against chemical manufacturers such as 3M and DuPont, who are already facing billions in PFAS-related settlements

PFAS Lawsuits in New Jersey and Pennsylvania

Local litigation has been growing:

• In New Jersey, lawsuits have been filed against companies that produced and discharged PFAS into waterways. NJ was also one of the first states to set enforceable drinking water limits for PFAS.

• In Pennsylvania, residents impacted by firefighting foam contamination near military bases have brought claims for personal injury and property damage.

⚖️ Important: Both NJ and PA generally have a two-year statute of limitations for personal injury claims, starting from when you knew or should have known about your diagnosis and its connection to exposure. Because PFAS illnesses may appear years later, courts sometimes apply the “discovery rule”, but deadlines remain strict. Speaking with a lawyer quickly is essential.

Steps to Take If You’ve Been Diagnosed

If you suspect PFAS exposure may have caused your illness:

1. Seek medical care and share your exposure history with your doctor.

2. Document your exposure (water testing, employment records, location history).

3. Stay informed about PFAS contamination advisories in your area.

4. Consult an experienced toxic exposure attorney to review your legal rights before deadlines expire.

Why Choose an Experienced Firm

Toxic exposure cases are complex. They require:

• Scientific evidence linking exposure to illness

• Expert testimony

• Knowledge of evolving PFAS litigation and settlements

At Cohen, Placitella & Roth, we have decades of experience representing workers, families, and communities harmed by asbestos and other toxic substances. Our history in environmental injury cases positions us to fight for those impacted by PFAS in New Jersey and Pennsylvania.

Call to Action

If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with kidney cancer, testicular cancer, thyroid disease, or another serious illness after PFAS exposure, you don’t have to face this alone.

📞 Contact Cohen, Placitella & Roth today for a free, confidential case evaluation.

Our attorneys can review your medical history, potential exposure sources, and legal options for pursuing compensation.

FAQs About PFAS Exposure and Lawsuits

What illnesses are linked to PFAS?The strongest links are to kidney cancer, testicular cancer, thyroid disease, and ulcerative colitis, with other risks still being studied.

How do I know if my water is contaminated?The EPA and state agencies publish PFAS testing results. Private water testing is also available.

Can I join a PFAS lawsuit in NJ or PA?Yes. Options include individual claims or joining broader lawsuits depending on your diagnosis and exposure history.

How much compensation is available?Amounts vary, but PFAS manufacturers like 3M have already agreed to multi-billion-dollar settlements. Individual recovery depends on medical evidence and exposure proof.