The MTMP Spring 2025 Mass Torts Track session on per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) litigation kicked off with an introduction to the documentary How to Poison a Planet. The film highlights the litigation tied to PFAS contamination, which has been called “the greatest environmental catastrophe of our time.”

The documentary, directed by Katrina McGowan, delves into the widespread contamination caused by PFAS, also known as “forever chemicals,” due to their persistence in the environment and human body. It also highlights the role of major chemical companies, such as 3M and DuPont, in the proliferation of PFAS and their alleged efforts to conceal the associated health risks.

Attorney Ned McWilliams, a partner at Levin Papantonio, provided updates on the ongoing PFAS litigation. He noted that a personal injury bellwether trial is scheduled for October 20, 2025, involving five cases from Bucks County, Pennsylvania—a region identified as a PFAS hotspot. The plaintiffs in these cases have been diagnosed with testicular or kidney cancer, conditions linked to PFAS exposure.

McWilliams emphasized the importance of addressing contamination at its source, particularly at airports where PFAS-laden firefighting foams have been extensively used. “The reason it needs to be cleaned up [at airports], every time it rains, it picks up chemicals and goes downstream, and that’s how the drinking water is contaminated. You have to clean up the source to prevent further contamination,” he explained.

Regarding settlements, McWilliams mentioned that the final fairness hearing for the water provider settlements was held on November 1, 2024, with both settlements receiving final approval. Claims are currently being reviewed by the claims administrator.

He also highlighted the significant costs associated with remediation, citing an example from Stuart, Florida, where experts estimated the cost at approximately $30 million for the small town. “The costs associated with remediation are tremendous,” McWilliams stated, underscoring the financial burden faced by affected communities.

Looking ahead, McWilliams stressed the need for continued collaboration and co-counsel arrangements to tackle the complex and widespread nature of PFAS contamination. “We’re actively seeking co-counsel arrangements… it’s about relationships, people you know… there’s a lot more of these cases out there,” he said.

He also pointed out the regulatory gap, noting that there are currently no enforceable federal regulations for PFAS, although such regulations are expected by December 2025. “Technically right now, water providers are not required to clean up water (will be Dec 2025, and that’s when the statute of limitations kicks in),” McWilliams added, highlighting the urgency for legal action and remediation efforts.