Lawsuit Claims Toxic Chemicals From Gore-Tex Poisoned Drinking Water in Maryland

The makers of Gore-Tex, a fabric used by brands like The North Face and Mountain Hardware, are facing serious accusations. According to a report by Tom Perkins in The Guardian, two lawsuits claim Gore-Tex’s parent company, WL Gore and Associates, possibly polluted drinking water near its Maryland facilities with PFAS — a group of chemicals often called “forever chemicals” because they never break down in the environment.

The lawsuits allege that Gore’s facilities contaminated local water with PFAS levels up to 700 times above federal safety limits. Residents nearby have reportedly developed high rates of cancers and other PFAS-related illnesses. Maryland is also suing the company for alleged environmental violations, claiming Gore knew about the dangers of its products as early as the 1980s but continued to release PFAS into water systems draining into the Chesapeake Bay.

Gore has denied the claims, stating on its website that it phased out PFOA, a common PFAS, years ago and that it is working with regulators. However, Philip Federico, an attorney representing the affected residents, dismissed these defenses, pointing out that the chemicals found match those Gore used.

PFAS chemicals are widely used to make products water- and stain-resistant, but they have been linked to cancer, kidney disease, immune disorders, and more. The EPA has determined that virtually no level of PFOA in drinking water is safe.

While Gore claims to be committed to environmental safety, the lawsuits highlight decades of alleged cover-ups, with accusations that Gore misled regulators and even destroyed evidence.

If you want to stand against companies that harm the planet and its people, consider supporting sustainable, vegan brands that prioritize transparency and environmental stewardship. Every conscious choice helps protect our water, our wildlife, and our future.

Video Source: WJZ/Youtube

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