Aspen’s Orseck Explains Growing Impact of PFAS (Video)

As research has evolved into the effects of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), correlations are being made with medical conditions in exposed individuals—and that’s about everyone to some extent.

“We’ve been ingesting this stuff for years and years, to the point where (the Centers for Disease Control) estimates that 97 percent of Americans have PFAS in their blood,” Daniel Orseck, senior vice president of environment at Aspen Insurance, told Kelly for insurances. The Journal’s Andrea Wells, vice president of content, at the WSIA Annual Marketplace in San Diego.

These so-called “forever chemicals” are used in the production of many products such as non-stick cookware, certain fabrics and clothing, cosmetics and firefighting foams.

It’s a personal matter for Orseck, he told Wells. In addition, the research has drawn the attention of regulators, Orseck said.

The subject is an Insurance Journal and its sister publications kept an eye on. The insurance industry has taken note of the PFAS risk as regulations and litigation increase.

Related: Insurers shy away from PFAS amid “Superstorm” of litigation, regulations