Residents near Gore-Tex facilities in Maryland allege the company contaminated local water with toxic PFAS chemicals, leading to widespread illness and a legal battle over environmental harm and corporate accountability.
Tom Perkins reports for The Guardian.
In short:
- Two lawsuits, including one from the state of Maryland, claim WL Gore and Associates knowingly released dangerous PFAS chemicals into local water and air near its facilities northeast of Baltimore.
- The contamination allegedly caused elevated rates of cancer and other diseases in the area, with some PFAS levels reaching up to 700 times the federal limit.
- The company denies wrongdoing, asserting it phased out PFOA years ago and is cooperating with regulators, while plaintiffs say Gore knew about the risks for decades and misled employees and officials.
Key quote:
“They’re really not in a position to say it’s not their PFAS – they know it is, and everyone else knows it.”
— Philip Federico, attorney for the plaintiffs
Why this matters:
PFAS are emerging as one of the most persistent and troubling environmental threats of our time. Developed in the mid-20th century, these synthetic chemicals are found in everything from nonstick cookware and waterproof clothing to firefighting foam and food packaging. In Maryland and across the U.S., PFAS have infiltrated public drinking water systems, sparking a wave of litigation and unease. Residents exposed to these so-called “forever chemicals” face heightened risks of cancer, developmental issues, and immune system dysfunction. Industry documents and court filings suggest that some manufacturers were aware of the health risks decades ago, raising comparisons to earlier scandals involving tobacco and lead. Critics argue that regulatory agencies have been slow to respond, constrained by outdated laws and limited authority to demand transparency.
Related: Lawsuit claims Gore-Tex misled customers about toxic chemicals
