When people hear about PFAS contamination, they often think about polluted water systems and environmental damage. But for thousands of American workers, PFAS exposure happens much closer to home—right in the workplace. From manufacturing facilities and airports to fire departments and military bases, employees across industries have faced daily contact with these dangerous “forever chemicals.”
At HGD Law Firm, we represent individuals whose exposure to PFAS occurred on the job. Occupational exposure cases are complex, but one thing is clear: no one should suffer lifelong health consequences because their employer or a chemical manufacturer failed to protect them.
Where PFAS Exposure Happens on the Job
PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances) have been used in thousands of products for their resistance to heat, water, and grease. That same durability makes them nearly impossible to break down—both in the environment and in the human body. Workers in certain professions are particularly at risk of long-term exposure, including:
- Firefighters who use Aqueous Film-Forming Foam (AFFF) containing high concentrations of PFAS
- Airport personnel who handle or are exposed to firefighting foam during training or emergencies
- Military service members stationed on bases where AFFF was routinely used
- Chemical plant and textile workers involved in producing or processing PFAS-containing materials
- Manufacturing employees who handle nonstick coatings, waterproof fabrics, or industrial lubricants
- Wastewater treatment operators exposed to PFAS-laden sludge and discharge
These aren’t isolated cases—they’re patterns of exposure that have been documented across the country. For many, the impact of PFAS doesn’t appear immediately. Symptoms often emerge years or even decades later.
Health Risks of Long-Term PFAS Exposure
Scientific studies have established links between PFAS exposure and a number of serious health issues. Workers who have handled PFAS-containing materials may face an increased risk of:
- Kidney cancer
- Testicular cancer
- Ulcerative colitis
- Thyroid cancer
- Thyroid disease
- Liver cancer
Because PFAS build up in the body over time, even low-level exposure can be dangerous—especially for workers exposed daily over years of employment.
What Employers and Manufacturers Knew
Evidence from internal documents and litigation reveals that some corporations understood the dangers of PFAS decades ago but failed to disclose the risks. Many employers did not provide adequate protective equipment, training, or medical monitoring to safeguard their employees.
Failing to warn workers about PFAS hazards or implement proper safety protocols can constitute negligence—and in some cases, it opens the door to liability claims beyond workers’ compensation.
Your Legal Options After Occupational PFAS Exposure
If you believe you developed a serious health condition as a result of workplace PFAS exposure, you may be entitled to legal relief. Potential claims can include:
- Workers’ compensation claims for medical costs and lost income
- Product liability lawsuits against PFAS manufacturers that supplied unsafe materials
- Toxic exposure lawsuits against employers who ignored known risks
- Wrongful death claims on behalf of family members who lost their lives to PFAS-related illness
Every case is different, and proving the link between workplace exposure and illness requires careful scientific and legal analysis. That’s where our team at HGD comes in.
How HGD Law Firm Helps Workers Affected by PFAS
At HGD Law Firm, we combine deep knowledge of environmental and toxic tort law with compassion for the people behind every case. Our PFAS litigation team includes attorneys, investigators, and medical experts who know how to connect the dots between occupational exposure and long-term illness.
Here’s how we help: - Review your employment and medical history to identify potential sources of PFAS exposure - Coordinate with toxicologists and industrial experts to verify contamination pathways - Pursue accountability against negligent employers and manufacturers - Seek maximum compensation for your medical costs, pain and suffering, and future care needs.
Protecting Those Who Protect Us
Firefighters, factory workers, service members, and countless others put their health on the line every day to do their jobs. They shouldn’t have to pay the price for corporate negligence.
If you or a loved one has suffered from cancer or other serious health conditions after long-term PFAS exposure at work, we can help. Contact the PFAS litigation team at HGD Law Firm today for a free consultation—and take the first step toward justice.
