It’s normal to wonder what may have caused your kidney cancer. While some people will never know what led to their diagnosis, others may link their kidney cancer to chemical exposure. Recent lawsuits have tied certain chemicals to a higher risk for kidney cancer, sometimes with billions of dollars being split up among those affected.

Despite the huge amounts of money in play, the scientific evidence for certain chemicals as kidney cancer causes is still under study. Some lawsuits have been won in favor of people with cancer, while others have been lost or are still ongoing. Researchers are still investigating the link between certain chemicals and kidney cancer.

Keep reading to learn about some of the most prominent lawsuits involving kidney cancer and its potential environmental causes.

How Were People Exposed to These Chemicals?

Some people who served in the U.S. military or worked in certain careers may have a greater chance of exposure to certain chemicals. For instance, someone who works in industrial farming may be more likely to face pesticide exposure. But in other cases, chemicals may be released into the water supply by nearby factories or processing plants. This is commonly the case with PFAS. When people consume contaminated water or eat foods grown in it, they may ingest those chemicals.

Because PFAS chemicals don’t break down over time, they stay in the body, particularly the kidneys, blood, and liver. Over time, this increases the risk of certain cancers, such as those affecting the kidneys or testicles.

Which Lawsuits Are Investigating the Link?

Several lawsuits are taking place across the country looking at the connection between kidney cancer and chemicals. Most are class action lawsuits (involving many people suing a single entity at one time) or have been brought by local governments.

Camp Lejeune

Camp Lejeune is a U.S. Marine Corps base in North Carolina. People living and working on or near this base from the 1950s through the 1980s may have been exposed to contaminated drinking water.

The water is said to have contained TCE and benzene, as well as perchloroethylene (PCE), a solvent used in such products as dry cleaning materials and brake cleaners. Kidney cancer is one of the conditions linked to the Camp Lejeune water contamination.

As part of the Caring for Camp Lejeune Families Act of 2012, veterans who were on active duty for at least 30 days at Camp Lejeune between Aug. 1, 1953 and Dec. 31, 1987, qualify for healthcare from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). Healthcare is completely free if the person has one of 16 eligible health conditions. Kidney cancer is one of them.

Veterans with kidney cancer who fit the conditions above may also be eligible for disability compensation.

Separately, through the Camp Lejeune Justice Act, service members and their families who were exposed to the contaminated water may be able to collect additional money in the form of damages.

For instance, those with kidney cancer who were exposed to the drinking water at this military base for more than five years could receive up to $450,000. Those with kidney cancer who were exposed to the water for one to five years could receive up to $300,000, while individuals exposed for 30 to 364 days might collect up to $150,000.

Contact a military or personal injury law firm for more information about the criteria for submitting Camp Lejeune claims.

Zantac

Ranitidine was a heartburn drug sold under the brand name Zantac. It was taken off the market in 2020 due to concerns over high levels of N-nitrosodimethylamine (NDMA). NDMA is considered a probable human carcinogen. Some people believe the high levels of NDMA were linked to an increased risk of several cancers, including kidney cancer.

After ranitidine was removed from the market, several class action lawsuits were filed against the drugmakers. Researchers haven’t found a firm link between ranitidine and a higher risk of kidney or bladder cancer. But lawsuits against the drugmakers were estimated to include settlements totaling over $2 billion. Several of these cases are still ongoing, though some have already been settled.

Those who are eligible to join the lawsuit include people who meet the following criteria:

• Received a diagnosis of kidney cancer or other qualifying health issues
• Used ranitidine regularly for at least six months
• Took ranitidine anytime from 2006 until it was removed from the market

Speak to an attorney to get information about all of the eligibility criteria.

Chemical Manufacturers

Several companies that produce chemicals have been involved in lawsuits for polluting drinking water sources with PFAS. One company, 3M, produces such products as Ace bandages and Scotch tape. In 2023, 3M agreed to pay more than $10 billion after several towns and cities said the company had released PFAS into the water supply.

Three other chemical firms agreed in 2023 to create a nearly $1.2 billion fund to settle claims that they dumped toxic chemicals into the water system.

These lawsuits each have different criteria for joining. A qualified attorney can explain who is eligible for a potential payout.

Certain Governments

Because utility companies supply drinking water to their residents, local utilities are involved in some lawsuits related to PFAS and kidney cancer risk. In states like New Jersey and Ohio, utilities have agreed to provide money to people affected by PFAS in the water. Reach out to your town or water supplier to find out if you qualify under one of these cases.

Join the Conversation

On MyKidneyCancerTeam, people share their experience with kidney cancer, get advice, and find support from others who understand.

Were you exposed to carcinogens that you think may have led to kidney cancer? Let others know in the comments below.