Firefighter class action alleges PFAS exposure caused thyroid disease

PFAS class action lawsuit overview:

• Who: Plaintiff Jerome Ervin Pike filed a lawsuit against 3M Company, Arkema Inc., DuPont de Nemours Inc. and more than 50 other companies.
• Why: Pike claims he developed thyroid disease after being exposed to per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in firefighting foam and gear.
• Where: The PFAS class action lawsuit was filed in South Carolina federal court.
• How to get help: Were you exposed to firefighting foam and later diagnosed with cancer or another serious illness? You may be eligible for compensation.

A firefighter exposed to toxic forever chemicals while on the job has filed a class action lawsuit against dozens of companies, including 3M, DuPont and Kidde, alleging they bear responsibility for exposure that caused him to develop thyroid disease.

Plaintiff Jerome Ervin Pike claims the defendants’ aqueous film-forming foams (AFFF) and/or firefighter turnout gear (TOG) contained toxic chemicals known as per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS).

PFAS are a group of human-made chemicals that do not break down in the environment and can accumulate in the human body over time. They are often referred to as “forever chemicals” due to their persistence in the environment.

Pike claims he was exposed to the defendants’ PFAS-containing products throughout his career as a firefighter. He says he used the defendants’ AFFF products in firefighting activities and wore their TOG products while responding to emergencies.

According to the 3M class action lawsuit, PFAS chemicals are highly toxic and carcinogenic. Pike claims the defendants knew or should have known that their products would expose end users to the risks associated with PFAS contamination.

Pike says he was diagnosed with thyroid disease in 2023. He claims he suffered, and continues to suffer, the effects of his illness, which he says was caused by his exposure to the defendants’ products.

Class action claims 3M and other defendants failed to warn about PFAS contamination risks

Pike claims the defendants failed to warn him about the dangerous properties of their products. He says he relied on the defendants’ instructions regarding the proper handling of the products.

Pike asserts claims for negligence, battery, failure to warn, inadequate warning, design defect, strict liability, fraudulent concealment, breach of express and implied warranties, willful and wanton misconduct, and fraudulent transfer.

Pike seeks compensatory and punitive damages, as well as injunctive, equitable and declaratory relief.

Multiple plaintiffs filed a similar 3M class action lawsuit in October alleging PFAS contamination at the College of Central Florida, previously occupied by a firefighting training school.  

Additionally, PFAS have been detected in the drinking water of thousands of zip codes across the country, affecting millions of people. Airports, military bases and fire training sites are often major sources of PFAS contamination.

If you have been diagnosed with kidney, testicular or liver cancer after being exposed to firefighting foam or drinking tap water at your home or work, you may have unknowingly been exposed to PFAS. Take the first step and find out if you qualify to join a class action investigation.

What do you think about the allegations made in this PFAS contamination class action? Join the discussion in the comments.

The plaintiff is represented by August J. Matteis Jr. of Weisbrod Matteis & Copley PLLC.

The 3M class action lawsuit is Pike v. 3M Company, et al., Case No. 2:25-cv-13824-RMG, in the U.S. District Court for the District of South Carolina.

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