Murray County, Georgia, has filed a lawsuit against major chemical producers and carpet manufacturers, alleging they knowingly hid the dangers of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), or "forever chemicals," used in local carpet production. Defendants include 3M, DuPont, Daikin, Mohawk, and Shaw Industries, as reported by several news agencies. The lawsuit claims these companies have been aware of PFAS toxicity since the 1960s but continued using them while dumping contaminated waste in the county’s landfill. PFAS chemicals, found in products like Scotchgard, Teflon, and nonstick cookware, do not degrade in nature and are linked to immune suppression, fertility issues, developmental delays, and certain cancers.

The lawsuit highlights a public health crisis, asserting that most residents of Northwest Georgia now carry PFAS in their bodies, resulting in significant health risks. Murray County, home to nearly 40,000 people, demands that the companies responsible pay for the cleanup of PFAS contamination, which has infiltrated local water sources. The county’s landfill, described as "pickled" with PFAS, leaks these chemicals into waterways through stormwater runoff, groundwater, and landfill leachate. A map included in the complaint shows widespread PFAS contamination around the landfill.

PFAS litigation has been growing across Georgia, particularly in areas tied to the carpet industry. Dalton, known as the “carpet and flooring capital of the world,” has launched its own lawsuit targeting chemical producers and manufacturers, including 3M and Shaw Industries. Similarly, Rome has struggled with PFAS contamination for years, settling with 3M for $75 million in 2023 alongside other defendants. Smaller cities like Calhoun have also been forced to revamp their water systems due to PFAS-related pollution.

Murray County’s lawsuit follows a broader legal trend. In 2023, 3M pledged to stop producing PFAS by 2025 and agreed to a $12.5 billion settlement for public water suppliers. DuPont and associated entities have similarly paid substantial settlements, including a $1 billion agreement for PFAS-related drinking water claims. Murray County points out that despite these measures, PFAS contamination persists and demands immediate action.

The case has attracted a coalition of lawyers, water experts, and consumer advocates, including Erin Brockovich, who is known for her environmental activism. Murray County’s lawsuit underscores the need for accountability, stating that billions of dollars in profits from PFAS-tainted products have come at the expense of public health. The county insists that PFAS in its landfill and surrounding waterways must be contained, captured, and destroyed to safeguard the environment and its residents.