Maryland Sues GORE-TEX Manufacturer Over PFAS Chemicals in Water

Image of a person holding up blue and white plastic granules representing PFAS chemicals

Maryland Attorney General Anthony Brown has sued the manufacturer of GORE-TEX®, a fabric used to make outdoor clothing, alleging that it contaminated natural resources.

W.L. Gore & Associates is accused of polluting the local water supply with harmful perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS). Of Gore’s 14 facilities in the Cecil County area, 13 allegedly released toxic GORE-TEX PFAS into the environment.

According to the lawsuit, the company released perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA), a regulated “forever chemical,” into the air and water. The company reportedly knew about the dangers posed by the chemicals for decades.

Did you know?

PFAS chemicals can be found in firefighting foam (AFFF) and many consumer products like GORE-TEX apparel.

Over the years, many outdoor enthusiasts have worn GORE-TEX jackets, pants, and shoes to keep them warm and dry. However, the PFAS in GORE-TEX has been found to be harmful to the environment and those exposed.

Attorney General Brown’s lawsuit seeks money to help with cleanup costs, test and monitor the affected areas, and reimburse the residents for losses related to the contamination.

Learn more about the damage these chemicals can cause, who’s at the greatest risk of exposure, and how firefighters can seek help if they’ve developed cancer.

If you or a family member was exposed to PFAS in firefighting foam and diagnosed with cancer, you’re not alone. See if we can help you seek the compensation you deserve with a free case review.

Does GORE-TEX Have PFAS?

GORE-TEX is a membrane used in outdoor apparel to provide waterproofing. The fabric has been popular among outdoor enthusiasts due to being durable, breathable, and windproof.

GORE-TEX has traditionally contained toxic PFAS, but W.L. Gore currently makes versions without the harmful chemicals as well.

PFAS-containing apparel like GORE-TEX has been controversial for years and was recently banned for sale in states like New York and California. The company’s PFAS GORE-TEX goes against regulations because of the risks to natural resources and human health.

The Dangers of PFAS: The ‘Forever Chemicals’

PFAS have been classified as “forever chemicals,” meaning they take hundreds of years to break down. When they accumulate inside the body, they can cause serious illnesses.

Types of cancer linked to PFAS include:

  • Bladder cancer
  • Breast cancer
  • Leukemia
  • Liver cancer
  • Lymphoma
  • Pancreatic cancer
  • Prostate cancer
  • Renal cancer
  • Testicular cancer
  • Thyroid cancer

“PFAS are linked to cancer, weakened immune systems, and can even harm the ability to bear children,” said Attorney General Brown. “It is unacceptable for any company to knowingly contaminate our drinking water with these toxins, putting Marylanders at risk of severe health conditions.”

One major cause of PFAS exposure is a type of firefighting foam known as AFFF, which puts firefighters, including military firefighters, at an increased risk. However, when a company contaminates local resources, every citizen is at risk of exposure.

PFAS Contamination of Resources and Drinking Water

The release of PFAS in Maryland contaminated soils, sediments, plants, and animal life, in addition to the water supply, according to the lawsuit.

The remediation of Cecil County will require substantial funds, and the state of Maryland intends to make W.L. Gore pay for any damage they may have caused.

Every citizen of Cecil County relies on clean drinking water for themselves and their loved ones. Clean water is also needed for household tasks like cooking, brewing coffee, washing clothes, and bathing.

PFAS in the water is a significant problem because it exposes all of the citizens of Cecil County to chemicals that can cause multiple life-threatening cancers.

Help for Firefighters With PFAS Cancers

Firefighters are at a high risk of PFAS exposure due to their use of AFFF foam, which is known to contain the toxic chemicals.

Firefighters who have been diagnosed with cancer after being exposed to harmful PFAS may be eligible for firefighting foam settlements to help pay for their medical expenses and more.

Lawfirm.com works with AFFF lawyers who can help victims in all 50 states and never charge any upfront costs or hourly fees.

Call (888) 726-9160 right now or get a free case review to learn more about your legal options.

Rae Theodore

Fact-Checked and Legally Reviewed by: Rae Theodore

Rae Theodore is a writer and editor with more than 30 years of experience in legal publishing. She earned a bachelor’s degree in English from Pennsylvania State University.

  1. Anthony G. Brown, Maryland Attorney General. (2024, December 18). “Maryland Files Lawsuit against W.L. Gore for PFAS Contamination.” Retrieved January 31, 2025, from https://mde.maryland.gov/Documents/121824a_.pdf
  2. In The United States District Court For The District of Maryland. (2024, December 18). “State of Maryland v. W.L. Gore & Associates.” Retrieved January 31, 2025, from https://www.marylandattorneygeneral.gov/News%20Documents/121824_Gore_%20Complaint.pdf
  3. New York Times. (January 13, 2025). “PFAS Bans Are Coming for Clothing. Here’s What You Need to Know.” Retrieved January 31, 2025, from https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/pfas-bans-for-clothing/
  4. PFAS Central. (2025, January 6). “Maryland Sues Maker of Waterproof Material GORE-TEX Over Toxic PFAS ‘Forever Chemical’ Pollution.” Retrieved January 31, 2025, from https://pfascentral.org/news/maryland-sues-maker-of-waterproof-material-gore-tex-over-toxic-pfas-forever-chemical-pollution
  5. Society of Environmental Journalists. (2025, December 23). “Maryland Sues GORE-TEX Company For Polluting Water With PFAS Chemicals.” Retrieved January 31, 2025, from https://www.sej.org/headlines/maryland-sues-gore-tex-company-polluting-water-pfas-chemicals
Last modified:

Other Articles

A woman feels eggs from a shelf, presumably to assess their freshness.

Eggs From Costco Recalled in 5 States

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has announced a Class 1 recall of certain eggs sold in Alabama, Georgia, North Carolina, South Carolina, and…

Read More: Eggs From Costco Recalled in 5 States
Jessica Blackford Cleeton and her husband and two sons pose for an outdoor photo.

A Mother Fights Mesothelioma and Secures Compensation

Thirty-two years old is young to receive a diagnosis of mesothelioma, but that’s exactly what happened to Jessica Blackford-Cleeton in 2015. From misdiagnoses to major…

Read More: A Mother Fights Mesothelioma and Secures Compensation
Dr. Bonnie Snyder sits on a couch next to her husband. She's a mesothelioma survivor.

Dr. Snyder’s Story of Mesothelioma Survival and Justice

Bonnie Snyder was only a teenager when she decided she wanted to dedicate her life to working with animals. However, in order to become a…

Read More: Dr. Snyder’s Story of Mesothelioma Survival and Justice