How did PFAS chemicals contaminate Georgia's waterways?

PFAS chemicals were released into water sources for decades through wastewater discharged from carpet mills in northwest Georgia, impacting rivers and drinking water supplies.

What role did carpet companies play in PFAS contamination?

Companies like Shaw and Mohawk Industries allegedly concealed the risks of PFAS, misled regulators, and continued using these chemicals despite knowing about their harmful effects on human health and the environment.

What are the health risks for residents exposed to PFAS?

Residents in contaminated areas face significant health risks, with studies showing elevated levels of PFAS in their blood, leading to concerns about various health issues and a sense of betrayal due to the lack of action.

Home / Environment / Forever Chemicals Poison Georgia's Waterways

Forever Chemicals Poison Georgia's Waterways

5 Feb

•

Summary

PFAS chemicals seeped into water sources for decades.
Carpet industry hid risks and misled regulators.
Residents face health risks from contaminated water.

In northwest Georgia, the once-thriving carpet industry has left a toxic legacy of PFAS contamination, impacting water sources and public health for decades. Investigations have uncovered how major carpet manufacturers, including Shaw and Mohawk Industries, along with Dalton Utilities, deliberately concealed the dangers of 'forever chemicals' used for stain resistance.

Despite internal knowledge of PFAS accumulating in human blood and posing environmental risks, these companies allegedly misled regulators and the public. Wastewater from mills, containing these persistent chemicals, was discharged into rivers, contaminating drinking water for hundreds of thousands across Georgia and eastern Alabama.

Residents like Dolly Baker and Faye Jackson are now experiencing alarming levels of PFAS in their blood, leading to health concerns and a deep sense of betrayal. The EPA only began establishing drinking water protections in 2024, while prior administrations offered little regulatory oversight.