Investigators Find Two Baltimore County Schools Had Elevated PFAS (Forever Chemicals) In The Drinking Water
PHOENIX MARYLAND (September 5, 2024) – Two public schools in Baltimore County were discovered to have elevated levels of forever chemicals (PFAS) in the drinking water.
These findings were made shortly after it was determined that the drinking water of 10 Harford County schools had elevated levels of forever chemicals. A representative for Baltimore County schools said that the schools will provide bottled water.
In April of 2024, the EPA finalized legally enforceable limits of PFAS in drinking water. However, public water systems have until 2027 to come into compliance with the new EPA limits.
According to the EPA, “PFAS exposure over a long period of time can cause cancer and other serious illnesses that decrease quality of life or result in death.”
Liability For Exposure to Forever Chemicals
People can be exposed to Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in a variety of settings. According to the National Institutes of Health, “People are most likely exposed to these chemicals by consuming PFAS-contaminated water or food, using products made with PFAS, or breathing air containing PFAS. Because PFAS break down slowly, if at all, people and animals are repeatedly exposed to them, and blood levels of some PFAS can build up over time.” Long-term exposure to PFAS can result in a variety of illnesses.
- Cancer
- Liver damage
- Thyroid disease
- Immune system issues
- Ulcerative colitis
Schools have a legal obligation to protect students from reasonably foreseeable sources of harm. When a school has actual or constructive notice of an unsafe condition, they must take action. When a school fails to protect students from hazardous chemicals, this could form the basis of a negligence claim. It is important that certain steps are taken after any child is exposed to PFAS in a school setting.
- Medical records related to any illnesses should be preserved.
- It should be determined if the PFAS are linked to any illnesses a person develops.
- The source of the PFAS should be determined.
- An experienced toxic tort attorney should be contacted.
Depending on the facts of any case, there could be several liable parties for any instance of PFAS exposure. In many situations, PFAS can seep into the water supply of a city due to improper chemical disposal. For example, if a company buries drums of chemicals, these drums could leak and poison the water supply. Any person who becomes ill due to PFAS exposure may be able to seek some measure of justice through a civil claim.
Getting Legal Help After Exposure To PFAS
We at Gersowitz Libo & Korek, P.C., were deeply concerned to hear about the 10 Maryland schools with elevated levels of PFAS. State officials need to do their part to ensure that the drinking water at these schools is safe. No parent should ever have to worry that their child is slowly being poisoned at school.
Have you or someone that you care about been exposed to PFAS at a Maryland school? You may have legal recourse. Our team of personal injury attorneys is here to help in any way that we can. We care deeply that parents are aware of their rights and that those rights are being protected. Whether you just have legal questions or need any type of support, we are here for you. You can reach out to us anytime at (516) 908-9792.
