Skip to main content

Podcast

Risk in Context Podcast: PFAS risks and insurability challenges

In this episode our hosts discuss some of the main PFAS-related risks that organizations across industries and geographies are facing. They also talk about some of the insurability challenges and share actions that organizations should consider taking to address this evolving risk.

Perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances, a group of chemicals known as PFAS, have come under increased scrutiny in recent years, amid concern about their impact on the environment and potential links to serious human health issues.

Often referred to as “forever chemicals” due to their resistance to degradation, PFAS are found in a wide array of consumer products. The risks related to this group of chemicals are highlighted in this year's Global Risks Report, produced by the World Economic Forum with support from Marsh McLennan and other partners.

For organizations with historic, current, or potential future PFAS exposures, developing proactive risk strategies and securing robust insurance coverage is essential to protect their operations amid an evolving global regulatory landscape.

In this episode of Risk in Context, Kimberly Mann, managing director within Marsh’s Global Environmental Practice, Chuck Moran, a senior vice president within the Complex Liability Consulting Practice, Matthew Kern, a senior vice president within Marsh’s US Environmental Practice, and Nicolas Dzubanowski, the Environmental Practice Leader for France and Continental Europe, discuss some of the main PFAS-related risks that organizations across industries and geographies are facing. They also talk about some of the insurability challenges and share actions that organizations should consider taking to address this evolving risk.

Apple Podcast Spotify Podcast
Download transcript

Key takeaways

Broad liabilities require proactive risk management

PFAS’ widespread use across industries and their persistence within the environment can create complex and long-term liabilities for organizations, requiring proactive risk management.

Social inflation may contribute to increased litigation

With PFAS-related claims increasing in frequency and severity, organizations should prepare for a potential surge in litigation driven by social inflation and heightened public concern.

Tailored insurance solutions can help mitigate risks

While insurability concerns exist, organizations with current or historic PFAS risks can explore tailored policies and whether historical policies may respond to some legacy risks.

About our speakers

Kimberly Mann

Kimberly Mann

US Strategy and Growth Leader, Global Environmental Practice

  • United States

Kimberly Mann is the US Strategy and Growth Leader in Marsh’s Environmental Practice. She has a proven track record in developing innovative solutions that address the dynamic business and regulatory challenges within the environmental sector. In her role, she is responsible for leading the development of cutting-edge strategies tailored to meet the evolving needs of clients in an increasingly complex environmental landscape.

Charles Moran

Chuck Moran

Growth Leader, Marsh's Complex Liability Consulting Practice

  • United States

Chuck Moran is the Growth Leader and a senior consultant for the Complex Liability Consulting Practice within Marsh Advisory. He works directly with clients in handling multiple facets of complex claims, including evaluating insurance programs and conducting financial analysis to estimate the value of historical insurance portfolios, and help companies develop insurance recovery strategies. He also performs loss allocation modeling, prepares complex claim submissions, and negotiates the resolution of insurance coverage and loss allocation issues.

Placeholder Image

Matthew Kern

Senior Vice President, Environmental Practice

  • United States

Matthew Kern is a national broker in Marsh’s Environmental Practice where he advises clients in a wide range of industry sectors on their environmental exposures and insurance solutions. He also places pollution legal liability, contractors pollution liability, and combined forms that cover his clients’ operational and legacy pollution exposures. He has facilitated a number of complex corporate and real estate transactions.  He also assess emerging pollution risks, such as PFAS, and advising clients in multiple industries on appropriate risk management and transfer solutions.

Nicolas Dzubanowski

Nicolas Dzubanowski

Environmental Practice Leader, France and Continental Europe

  • France

Nicolas Dzubanowski is the Environmental Practice Leader for France and Continental Europe. He is a leading environmental risks insurance specialist, with more than 18 years of experience with insurance and reinsurance companies. He has a comprehensive working knowledge of European and global insurance markets. He first acquired a solid experience of the French market before moving into the international key account segment by servicing flagship clients based in Europe. He also uses his skills to underwrite complex risks requiring the implementation of tailor-made policies.

Related insights