PFAS Exposure & Teen Hypertension: Is There a Lawsuit?

PFAS Exposure & Teen Hypertension: Is There a Lawsuit?

The Silent Threat: PFAS and the Rising Rates of Teen Hypertension

Imagine your teenager, full of life and energy, suddenly facing a health crisis like hypertension. While factors like obesity and genetics often take center stage, emerging research points to a hidden culprit: Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS). These “forever chemicals,” found in everything from non-stick cookware to firefighting foam, are increasingly linked to adverse health outcomes, including high blood pressure in teens. With approximately 1 in 25 youths ages 12-19 having hypertension, understanding the role of PFAS exposure is more critical than ever. Could this exposure lead to legal recourse? Let’s delve into the science, the risks, and the potential for a PFAS exposure lawsuit related to teen hypertension.

What are PFAS and Why Should You Be Concerned?

PFAS are a group of man-made chemicals used since the 1940s in numerous industrial and consumer products due to their heat, water, and oil resistance. These chemicals don’t break down easily in the environment or the human body, leading to their accumulation over time, hence the nickname “forever chemicals”. You’ll find them in:

  • Non-stick cookware
  • Stain-resistant fabrics and carpets
  • Food packaging
  • Firefighting foam
  • Cosmetics
  • Drinking water, especially near industrial sites or military bases

The pervasive use of PFAS means that over 99% of the population has these chemicals in their bodies. This widespread exposure is a significant public health concern because PFAS have been linked to a range of health problems, including:

  • Developmental effects in children
  • Reduced immune response
  • Hormone disruption
  • Increased cholesterol levels
  • Higher risk of certain cancers
  • Altered metabolism and body weight regulation

The Link Between PFAS and Teen Hypertension: Emerging Evidence

Recent studies have begun to explore the connection between PFAS exposure and hypertension, particularly in children and adolescents. A study published in the Journal of the American Heart Association in June 2025, found that children exposed to PFAS before birth had higher blood pressure during their teenage years. The study, which followed 1,094 children over a median of 12 years, revealed a stronger association between prenatal exposure to specific PFAS chemicals and elevated blood pressure in male children and non-Hispanic Black children.

These findings are particularly alarming given the rising rates of hypertension in children and adolescents worldwide. High blood pressure in youth can lead to serious health problems later in life, including heart disease and stroke. Identifying and mitigating risk factors like PFAS exposure is crucial for preventing these long-term consequences.

Who is Most at Risk?

While everyone is exposed to PFAS to some extent, certain populations are at higher risk:

  • Children exposed prenatally: The developing fetus is particularly vulnerable to the effects of PFAS.
  • Residents near industrial or military sites: These areas often have higher levels of PFAS contamination in the water and soil.
  • Firefighters: Due to their use of firefighting foam containing PFAS.
  • Communities relying on contaminated water supplies: This includes areas with known PFAS contamination in public and private wells.
  • Hispanics: A group that faces a heightened risk of bone disease in adulthood.
  • Boys and children born to non-Hispanic Black mothers: Showed a stronger association between PFAS exposure and elevated blood pressure.

What are the Legal Options?

If your teenager has been diagnosed with hypertension and you suspect PFAS exposure may be a contributing factor, you might be wondering if there are legal options available. The answer is complex, but here’s what you need to know:

  1. PFAS Lawsuits are on the Rise: Litigation related to PFAS exposure has expanded significantly in recent years. As of December 2024, the Attorneys General of 30 states and DC have initiated litigation against PFAS manufacturers for contaminating water supplies and other natural resources.

  2. Types of Lawsuits:

    • Personal Injury Lawsuits: If you can demonstrate a link between PFAS exposure and your child’s hypertension, you may be able to file a personal injury lawsuit against the responsible parties.
    • Product Liability Lawsuits: These lawsuits hold manufacturers accountable for producing and selling dangerous products containing PFAS.
    • Class Action Lawsuits: In some cases, individuals harmed by PFAS exposure may join together in a class action lawsuit, particularly if a community’s drinking water has been contaminated.
    • Toxic Tort: This specific type of personal injury law deals with harm caused by exposure to toxic substances like PFAS.

  3. Who Can Be Held Liable?

    • Manufacturers of PFAS chemicals: Companies that produce PFAS or use them in their products may be held responsible for failing to warn consumers about the risks.
    • Companies that use PFAS in their products: This could include manufacturers of nonstick cookware, firefighting foam, textiles, and other consumer goods.
    • Companies responsible for PFAS contamination: If your exposure is due to contaminated water or soil, the companies responsible for the pollution could be held liable. This might include industrial facilities, military bases, or wastewater treatment plants.

  4. What You Need to Do:

    • Seek Medical Attention: See your doctor for a thorough examination and discuss your concerns about PFAS exposure. Early diagnosis and treatment are essential for managing hypertension.
    • Document Everything: Keep detailed records of your medical appointments, diagnoses, treatments, and any out-of-pocket expenses.
    • Determine if your area has been contaminated: Check the EWG’s PFAS contamination map to see if PFAS has been detected in drinking water above proposed limits for the chemical in your state.
    • Consult with an Experienced Attorney: A personal injury lawyer can help you understand your legal options and guide you through the complex process of filing a claim.

Taking Action: Protecting Your Family and Seeking Justice

The link between PFAS exposure and teen hypertension is an emerging area of concern, and while the legal landscape is still developing, there are potential avenues for seeking justice. If you believe your child’s hypertension may be related to PFAS exposure, it’s essential to take proactive steps to protect their health and explore your legal options.

Steps You Can Take Today:

  1. Get Your Water Tested: If you suspect your water may be contaminated, have it tested by a certified laboratory.
  2. Install a Water Filter: Consider using a home water filter system certified to remove PFAS.
  3. Reduce Exposure: Minimize your family’s exposure to products containing PFAS, such as non-stick cookware and stain-resistant fabrics.
  4. Consult a Doctor: Talk to your pediatrician about your concerns and discuss whether PFAS blood testing is appropriate.
  5. Contact an Attorney: If you have a history of PFAS exposure and your child has been diagnosed with hypertension, consult with an attorney experienced in PFAS litigation to discuss your legal options.

Blood Testing for PFAS

If you are concerned about PFAS exposure, consulting with a knowledgeable healthcare provider is the first step in determining whether blood testing is appropriate for you and how to interpret the results in the context of your overall health. Several labs in North America currently offer PFAS blood testing to individuals: AXYS Analytical, EmpowerDX, and Eurofins. Quest Diagnostics also offers a consumer-initiated, physician-ordered blood-draw test for PFAS chemicals.

The Future of PFAS Litigation

PFAS litigation is expected to continue to grow as more research emerges on the health effects of these chemicals and as more communities discover PFAS contamination in their water supplies. Several major lawsuits have already resulted in significant settlements, including a $10.3 billion settlement by 3M to resolve claims from public water systems.

Conclusion

The connection between PFAS exposure and teen hypertension is a serious issue that deserves attention. While more research is needed to fully understand the extent of the risks, the available evidence suggests that PFAS exposure may be a contributing factor to the rising rates of high blood pressure in adolescents. If you are concerned about your child’s health and suspect PFAS exposure, take proactive steps to protect your family and explore your legal options. By staying informed and taking action, you can help safeguard your child’s health and hold responsible parties accountable for PFAS contamination.