MERRIMACK, New Hampshire – A judge has granted class-action status in a lawsuit filed against Saint-Gobain Performance Plastics concerning PFAS contamination. The lawsuit alleges that the chemical manufacturer’s operations have led to the contamination of water sources in the surrounding area.
The decision, made by Judge Kirsten Schmautz of Hillsborough County Superior Court, means that the lawsuit can now move forward as a class-action suit. This allows individuals who have been affected by the contamination to join together and seek legal action collectively, rather than pursuing individual lawsuits.
The lawsuit was initially filed in 2019 by residents living near Saint-Gobain’s Merrimack facility. They claimed that the company’s use of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in its manufacturing processes had contaminated both private wells and public water supplies in the area.
PFAS chemicals have been linked to various health issues, including cancer, immune system dysfunctions, and developmental problems. They have been widely used in industrial and consumer products due to their resistance to heat, oil, and water.
Saint-Gobain has been proactive in addressing the issue. In 2016, the company installed water filtration systems in affected homes and provided bottled water to residents. They have also been working with state and local authorities to investigate and remediate the contamination.
The decision to grant class-action status is significant as it allows for a more efficient and unified legal process. It also increases the potential for a larger settlement or award for the plaintiffs, if they are successful in proving their case.
This ruling highlights the growing concern and legal action surrounding PFAS contamination. Numerous communities across the United States have been impacted by PFAS contamination, leading to an increase in lawsuits against companies responsible for the pollution.
In conclusion, a judge has granted class-action status in a lawsuit against Saint-Gobain Performance Plastics over PFAS contamination in Merrimack, New Hampshire. The decision allows affected individuals to join together and pursue legal action collectively. PFAS contamination continues to be a pressing issue, with communities nationwide seeking justice for the harm caused by these harmful chemicals.