If you have developed a serious health complication, including cancer, and live in Hoosick Falls, NY, the water you have been drinking may be to blame. To be sure, officials have determined that the source of Hoosick Falls’ drinking water is contaminated with high levels of PFOA, perfluorooctanoic acid. PFOA is associated with a number of serious diseases, some of which are life-threatening. At the law offices of Napoli Shkolnik PLLC, our experienced environmental tort attorneys can represent you if you are affected.

 

The Source of the PFOA and Water Contamination in Hoosick Falls

The exact source of PFOA in the drinking water of the city of Hoosick Falls is unknown, and nearby towns in New York, as well as areas of Vermont, have also reported higher-than-safe levels of PFOA in the water. PFOA is a toxic chemical that is found in teflon materials and is used in the production of commercial and industrial products; the PFOA likely stems from a nearby industrial site or factory. The other potential site of contamination is the Hoosick Falls landfill, which was deemed a Superfund site by the state Department of Environmental Conservation. Levels of PFOA at the landfill were discovered to be 21,000 parts per trillion – the safe level set by the EPA is 70 parts per trillion and below.

The Dangers of PFOA Exposure

Exposure to perfluorooctanoic acid is extremely dangerous.
Pollution

Ailments associated with PFOA exposure include:

  • Developmental effects to fetuses;
  • Cancer of the liver or kidneys;
  • Liver tissue damage;
  • Immune effects; and
  • Thyroid effects.

The full extent of harm that PFOA can cause is not fully understood. Some people in Hoosick Falls have been diagnosed with cancers that may have developed as a direct result of exposure to PFOA.

Government Slow to React to Contaminated Hoosick Falls Drinking Water

The government did not tell residents of Hoosick Falls that drinking was was potentially unsafe until December of 2015. Unfortunately, this warning may have come too late; at least 2,000 residents of Hoosick Falls have undergone blood testing to determine whether or not blood contains unsafe levels of PFOA. Sadly, the results were troubling, with an average result that is 15 times higher than the national median for people ages 12 and older. Many people, including children, were determined to have levels of PFOA in their blood that is above the set level established by the EPA.

 

Our Environmental Tort Attorneys Are Here for You

One of the greatest injustices is that of drinking water in your own home that you believe to be safe for yourself and your family, only to find out that the water is contaminated with a dangerous toxin that could lead to cancer and other diseases. If you believe that your illness is associated with your exposure to PFOA through your drinking water, our law firm wants to meet with you. We can help you to understand your rights, and file a claim against the responsible party to recover the damages that you deserve. Contact us today to get started and learn more.