Maryland’s attorney general is suing W.L. Gore & Associates for decades of knowingly contaminating the state’s water and natural resources with toxic PFAS chemicals.
Adam Thompson reports for CBS News.
In short:
- The lawsuit accuses W.L. Gore of polluting water with PFAS for over 50 years, affecting drinking water, soil and wildlife.
- PFAS, known as "forever chemicals," are linked to cancer, immune issues and reproductive harm.
- Maryland demands the company cover investigation and cleanup costs for the contamination.
Key quote:
"PFAS are linked to cancer, weakened immune systems and can even harm the ability to bear children."
— Anthony Brown, Maryland Attorney General
Why this matters:
PFAS contamination threatens public health, as these chemicals persist in the environment and accumulate in the body. Addressing corporate accountability for pollution is crucial to safeguarding clean water and preventing severe health impacts for communities.
Related EHN coverage: PFAS: EPA releases proposed drinking water standards for six “forever chemicals”
