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Summary
On December 27, 2024, Maryland filed a lawsuit against W.L. Gore & Associates, the maker of the waterproof material Gore-Tex, for allegedly polluting the environment with toxic “forever chemicals.” The lawsuit claims that the company continued to use per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) despite being aware of their serious health risks. This legal action targets 13 facilities in northeastern Maryland, asserting that the pollution jeopardizes the health of nearby communities while the company profits.
Highlights
- 🌍 Maryland’s Legal Action: Maryland has sued W.L. Gore & Associates over the alleged use of toxic PFAS in their products.
- ⚖️ Health Risks: PFAS are linked to severe health issues, including cancer and immune system damage.
- 💧 Contamination Claims: The lawsuit focuses on pollution from 13 Gore facilities in northeastern Maryland, affecting local air and water quality.
- 🧾 Previous Lawsuits: This lawsuit adds to a class action filed by Cecil County residents seeking remediation for environmental damage.
- 📊 Corporate Accountability: The state argues that Gore has failed to adequately warn residents about health risks associated with PFAS.
- 🔍 Gore’s Defense: Gore claims to have engaged proactively with state regulators and conducted extensive groundwater testing.
- 💰 Remediation Costs: The lawsuit seeks to hold Gore financially responsible for ongoing investigations and cleanup efforts.
Maryland is suing the company that produces the waterproof material Gore-Tex often used for raincoats and other outdoor gear, alleging its leaders kept using “forever chemicals” long after learning about serious health risks associated with them.
The complaint, which was filed last week in federal court, focuses on a cluster of 13 facilities in northeastern Maryland operated by Delaware-based W.L. Gore & Associates. It alleges the company polluted the air and water around its facilities with per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, jeopardizing the health of surrounding communities while raking in profits.
