PFAS Awareness: How Lawsuits Are Shaping a Safer Future

PFAS, or per and polyfluoroalkyl substances, have been used in everyday products for many years. They appear in items such as firefighting foam, nonstick cookware, stain resistant fabric, and food packaging. These chemicals do not break down quickly, which allows them to move through soil and into groundwater. Once PFAS enter a water supply, they can remain there for long periods of time and may create health concerns for the people who rely on that water.

Communities across the country are now dealing with the effects of decades of PFAS use, and the legal system has become one of the main ways to address the issue. Lawsuits are helping uncover how contamination occurred, who is responsible, and how affected communities can receive support for testing and cleanup.

Understanding the impact of PFAS

Researchers have found connections between certain PFAS compounds and a range of health concerns. These include higher cholesterol, changes in liver function, potential effects on child development, and some cancers. People who rely on private wells may face greater risks if those wells draw from areas where PFAS has been used or spilled. Airports, industrial facilities, fire training sites, and landfills are common sources of contamination, and many of these locations exist throughout Michigan.

Because PFAS remain in the environment for so long, early detection is important. Many families only discover a problem when a private test or a state investigation reveals contamination. At that point, residents are left with questions about their health, their property, and their long term safety.

How lawsuits are creating change

Legal action has played an important role in shaping how the country responds to PFAS contamination. Court cases have brought attention to the extent of the problem and have encouraged companies to take responsibility for past practices. Many lawsuits have resulted in funding that supports water testing, filtration systems, and upgrades to municipal treatment plants. This helps communities improve the quality of their drinking water and reduce exposure.

Lawsuits have also prompted companies to release information about how PFAS was manufactured, used, and disposed of. This information helps environmental agencies track contamination more accurately and develop clearer rules for cleanup. When courts highlight the cost of contamination, it often leads to stronger state and federal guidelines that protect public health.

These legal outcomes do more than compensate communities. They also encourage changes in how companies handle chemicals, which reduces the risk of future contamination.

Michigan’s role in PFAS investigation

Michigan has become a leader in PFAS testing and oversight. State officials have investigated contamination at military sites, manufacturing facilities, landfills, and many other locations. Public water systems have been tested, and stricter drinking water limits have been adopted to help protect residents.

For the Traverse City region, these efforts matter because so many homes rely on groundwater. When PFAS enters an aquifer, it can move slowly through the system and affect private wells that were previously considered safe. Once contamination is confirmed, residents want to know what it means for their health, whether their property value may be affected, and what steps they should take next.

Communities that discover PFAS in their water supply may qualify for support through state programs or national settlement funds. These resources can help with water testing, filtration equipment, and long term planning for cleanup.

What residents can do

If you live in or near the Traverse City area and believe your home may be at risk, the first step is often a water test. Testing is especially important if your property is close to a site known for PFAS use or disposal. Certified filters can reduce PFAS levels in drinking water, and many households choose to install them while they wait for broader community solutions.

It is also helpful to keep detailed records. Water test results, medical information, property documents, and notices from local officials can all play a role in understanding how contamination affects you. These records may also be important if you consider pursuing a legal claim.

How Smith & Johnson can help

PFAS concerns can leave families uncertain about what to do next. Our firm helps residents understand their rights, review their test results, and determine whether they may qualify for relief through existing settlements or future legal actions. We also work with environmental and medical professionals who can provide insight into the source and potential impact of contamination.

If your home, neighborhood, or community has been affected, you do not have to navigate the process alone. Our attorneys are prepared to guide you through each step and explain your options in clear and simple terms.