Posted on April 25th, 2025
PFAS, or per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, are linked to a growing list of serious health issues, with kidney cancer among them. Since these chemicals can linger in the human body for a long time, they might disrupt kidney function and could lead to kidney cancer.
PFAS is a group of over 15,000 complex chemicals found almost everywhere. They are used in firefighting foams as well as in consumer products like cosmetics, food packaging, and non-stick pans. Because of their persistent nature, these 'forever chemicals' became an environmental and health concern.
PFAS enters the human body through various pathways, but mainly when drinking contaminated water or consuming contaminated food. An individual can also ingest or consume these harmful chemicals through constant exposure to other PFAS-based products like aqueous film-forming foam (AFFF), once considered the 'gold standard' in fire extinguishers.
Once absorbed, PFAS circulate through the bloodstream and pass through the kidneys, where they get filtered. However, research has found that this is not always the case.
PFAS exposure affects kidney function
Since PFAS do not break down easily, our bodies would need to get rid of them through waste like urine. As they pass through the kidneys, the body also tries to reabsorb useful substances involving special proteins called transporters that have the ability to grab certain molecules and pull them back to the bloodstream.
A study from the journal Toxicological Sciences examines the relationship between PFAS and kidney function by focusing on the functions of two specific transporters - the OAT4 and URAT1. Researchers discovered that the OAT4 transporter can actively reabsorb several types of PFAS back into the blood. In turn, these toxic substances stay in the human body for a long time, and because this process is located within the innermost parts of the kidneys, they are virtually undetectable.
Other studies have since suggested a connection between exposure to PFAS and oxidative stress, an imbalance involving too many free radicals and insufficient antioxidants; PFAS begin to damage cells and tissues and may lead to abnormal cell growth. Furthermore, research also indicates that prolonged exposure to PFAS may cause chronic inflammation in the kidneys, creating a tumor-conducive environment.
Kidney cancer is among the most common forms of cancer in America, but early diagnosis, a crucial step to improving life expectancy, can be challenging. Aside from the absence of visible signs during its initial stages, there is no widely recommended screening test for this life-threatening disease that claims over 14,000 Americans annually.
Type of PFAS linked to increased risk of renal cell carcinoma
Furthermore, there have been multiple studies linking PFAS exposure to higher risks of developing kidney cancer. For instance, a study in Environmental International found that exposure to perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) increases the risk of developing renal cell carcinoma, the most common type of kidney cancer.
PFOA is a known human carcinogen and is often detected in contaminated groundwater sources. To prevent renal cell carcinoma, researchers recommend limiting PFOA exposure from drinking water.
Reach out to us for help to file your PFAS kidney cancer claim
If you have been diagnosed with PFAS exposure related kidney cancer, you may file a PFAS exposure claim. To initiate the claim process, you need to prepare your medical records as well as supporting documents as proof of your PFAS exposure, for military personnel employment records, and for family members or individuals living within one mile of a contaminated military base, we need proof of residence. Let our experienced PFAS kidney cancer attorneys review your case so we can make sure you get the compensation you deserve.
