Maryland sues manufacturer after making disturbing discovery about the materials used: 'A toxic legacy for generations to come'
When you think of Gore-Tex, you may think of waterproof items like raincoats and outdoor gear.
What you might not know is that the chemicals used to make it are harmful, and Maryland is suing W.L. Gore & Associates, the producer of this material, to hold it accountable for the damage the production of Gore-Tex has caused.
According to Phys.org, the complaint filed in December "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."
The lawsuit says that the company's leaders didn't warn Maryland residents about the risks of living near these facilities in order to avoid liability.
It states the company has left "a toxic legacy for generations to come."
This isn't the first lawsuit against Gore. A class action suit in 2023 required the company to pay for medical bills, damages, and water filtration systems due to the pollution in Cecil County that happened over decades.
"It is unacceptable for any company to knowingly contaminate our drinking water with these toxins, putting Marylanders at risk of severe health conditions," said Maryland Attorney General Anthony Brown.
Gore was surprised by the state's lawsuit because of the work it had done to make up for the problems caused. Company spokesperson Donna Leinwand Leger said it had been in "proactive and intensive engagement with state regulators over the past two years."
The complaint also demonstrates the links between DuPont and Gore, with Wilbert Gore leaving DuPont in 1958 to start his own company. The suit claims that DuPont has been aware of the adverse health effects since 1961.
How often do you worry about toxic chemicals getting into your home?
Always
Often
Sometimes
Never
Click your choice to see results and speak your mind.
Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances are also known as PFAS or forever chemicals. The Environmental Protection Agency has stated that these chemicals have been used since the 1940s because of their useful properties. Unfortunately, they break down slowly and accumulate in the human body, which is part of the reason they are so harmful.
Studies have discovered several adverse health effects that forever chemicals have on humans, with exposure linked to decreased fertility, cancer, developmental issues, and a compromised immune system.
While Gore may be trying to do something about the harmful effects, Philip Federico, an attorney representing plaintiffs in the class action and other lawsuits against Gore, said it's "too little, much too late."
He added: "It's typical corporate environmental contamination. They're in no hurry to fix the problem."
Many companies pretend to take environmental causes seriously while profiting from the harm — a practice known as greenwashing.
Many lawsuits have been brought against companies like Gore. Their success varies, but in 2023, 3M announced it would stop making PFAS.
In 2023, Congress also proposed the Break Free From Plastic Pollution Act, an extension to bills from 2020 and 2021. It has yet to be voted on.
You can use your voice to urge your representatives to take action on the bill.
Join our free newsletter for good news and useful tips, and don't miss this cool list of easy ways to help yourself while helping the planet.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Yahoo
a day ago
- Yahoo
Scientists uncover exciting new method to remove dangerous chemicals from the body: 'Feasible, accessible and economical'
In a hopeful breakthrough for public health, researchers found that dietary fiber may help reduce PFAS — toxic "forever chemicals" — from the human body. As reported by The Guardian, the pilot study showed that increased fiber intake can lower levels of two of the most widespread and harmful PFAS: PFOA and PFOS. These pollutants are commonly found in water, food packaging, and household products, and they have been linked to serious health issues, including cancer, birth defects, and kidney disease. PFAS, short for perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances, are called forever chemicals because they don't naturally break down and can remain in the body for decades. The study's authors believe dietary fiber forms a gel in the digestive system that blocks PFAS from being absorbed, allowing them to exit when you go to the bathroom — similar to how fiber helps remove bile acids. Importantly, the study found that both soluble and insoluble fibers were needed, and oat beta-glucan, a common supplement, was mentioned as a helpful source. Timing is also important, as fiber works best when taken with meals, when bile production is highest. While fiber didn't work as well for "short-chain" PFAS (which are excreted more easily through urine), it was highly effective at reducing levels of long-chain types such as PFOA and PFOS — the types most commonly found in people's blood. This method also appears to be a gentler alternative to treatments such as cholestyramine, a cholesterol drug sometimes used to treat PFAS exposure but known to cause uncomfortable digestive issues. By contrast, fiber has a wide range of health benefits and is easy to integrate into your daily routine. This promising discovery joins other innovative solutions such as an LED method used to break down PFAS and ultraviolet purification used to break down PFAS in water. "The key is that this is feasible, accessible and economical," said Boston University's Jennifer Schlezinger, a co-author of the study. She added that early results are "very promising," and a larger study is underway. People online were impressed with the findings. "Wild how something as simple as fiber could help flush out toxic forever chemicals," one person said on Instagram. "The link between fiber intake and reducing 'forever chemicals' is such an important topic. More research like this could shape our understanding of diet and health. Thanks for sharing!" added another. Do you worry about having toxic forever chemicals in your home? Majorly Sometimes Not really I don't know enough about them Click your choice to see results and speak your mind. Join our free newsletter for easy tips to save more and waste less, and don't miss this cool list of easy ways to help yourself while helping the planet.
Yahoo
a day ago
- Yahoo
DuPont expands Costa Rica facility for sterile packaging operations
US-based DuPont has expanded its healthcare manufacturing facility in Heredia, Costa Rica, adding sterile packaging capacity for the global medical device industry. This development also increases the capacity of the site's existing medical tubing operations. The Heredia site has grown by 16,000ft² to improve its operations, supporting healthcare customers in the Caribbean and across the Americas. Additional space houses new extrusion equipment and production lines, which will facilitate the production of sterile packaging utilising Tyvek products such as pouches, header bags, and lids. This expansion is expected to boost DuPont's extruded tubing production capacity. James Chambers, senior vice-president and general manager for fluids and flexibles at Spectrum Plastics Group, a DuPont Business, said: 'With this expansion, we are now the first company in Costa Rica and the Caribbean to produce fluid management and sterile packaging offerings for the medical device industry. 'This significantly enhances our robust, growing portfolio of unmatched offerings and capabilities as a trusted supply chain partner to leading global healthcare companies.' The facility's expansion has achieved International Organization for Standardization (ISO) 13485:2016 and ISO 9001:2015 certifications, ensuring that the technical, assembly, and packaging staff adhere to the highest quality standards and guidelines. The facility has transitioned to a 24/7 production schedule to meet the needs of both current and new customers. DuPont's offerings for the healthcare industry encompass extruded tubing and subassemblies, advanced catheter assembly, medical balloons, skin contact devices, smart wearables, additive manufacturing, laser processing, and more. In November 2024, DuPont launched Tyvek with Renewable Attribution, a new addition to its portfolio of Tyvek products designed for healthcare packaging. The company delivers full-service solutions that support a wide range of healthcare applications by combining medical-grade performance materials, component and device solutions, and innovative technology. "DuPont expands Costa Rica facility for sterile packaging operations" was originally created and published by Packaging Gateway, a GlobalData owned brand. The information on this site has been included in good faith for general informational purposes only. It is not intended to amount to advice on which you should rely, and we give no representation, warranty or guarantee, whether express or implied as to its accuracy or completeness. You must obtain professional or specialist advice before taking, or refraining from, any action on the basis of the content on our site. Sign in to access your portfolio
New York Post
2 days ago
- New York Post
These 7 crisp and cool percale sheets are some of the best we've slept on
Get the deets between the sheets. If you've ever wondered what percale sheets are, you're not alone. Percale refers to a specific type of weave used in fabric, characterized by its one-over-one-under pattern. This tight, simple weave creates a crisp, breathable, and lightweight fabric. Despite popular belief, percale is not only made from cotton but can also come from a blend of silk, polyester, or rayon, as it is the weave that makes percale, not the material. One of the primary reasons percale sheets help you sleep better is their breathability. Unlike thicker or shinier weaves, such as sateen, percale allows for better air circulation, helping to regulate your body temperature through the night. The result is a smooth and cool sheet that feels refreshing against your skin, especially in warmer climates. It's no surprise that many consider cotton percale sheets to be a top choice for a good night's sleep. This is why percale frequently shows up in expert roundups like the New York Post's best cooling sheets, where breathability and moisture-wicking are key features. The best percale sheets end up on curated lists like the best bed sheets overall and even the best Target bed sheets for shoppers who want quality on a budget. Best Percale Sheets Overall: Parachute Percale Sheet Set Parachute Pros: 60-return window 100% long-staple Egyptian cotton Free shipping Tested for harmful chemicals Cons: No twin sheet options Experience the foundation of your perfect bed with this luxurious sheet set, crafted in Portugal from 100% premium, certified long-staple Egyptian cotton. Its lightweight, breathable percale weave feels cool against the skin and softens beautifully with each wash. Great for toxic-conscious sleepers, the OEKO-TEX certification ensures the fabric is tested for harmful substances, giving you peace of mind along with comfort. Size: Full to California King | Depth: n/a | Color options: 12 | Certifications: OEKO-TEX STANDARD 100 | Best Deep-Pocket Percale Sheets: Boll & Branch Percale Hemmed Sheet Set Boll and Branch Pros: 100% organic cotton Made from long-staple cotton Very deep pockets at 17 inches Tested for harmful substances Also available in printed sheets, cotton percale, and solid color options Cons: The button-down shirt texture might feel too stiff for those who prefer ultra-soft or silky sheets like sateen or viscose New York Post Review: 'Immediately after placing these sheets on the bed, I noticed a difference from my usual 100% cotton set. Not to be a cliché, but the fabric felt cool against my skin. While I typically prefer viscose sheets for their silky texture, I found the wide weave of the percale helped wick moisture throughout the night and kept me cool during my usual night sweats. The button-down shirt texture may feel a bit too structured for those who favor ultra-soft or silky sheets like sateen or viscose, myself included. My husband, however, gave these sheets a 10 out of 10. What sets Boll & Branch apart is its commitment to sustainability and quality. This particular set is made from long-staple cotton, which holds up well after multiple washes and gets softer over time. The packaging is also beautiful, perfect for a wedding gift or a future grad.' Size: Twin to Split King/California King | Depth: 17 inches | Color options: 19 | Certifications: GOTS Certified Organic Cotton, STANDARD 100 by OEKO-TEX certified by Hohenstein # Best Organic Percale Sheets: Quince Classic Organic Percale Sheet Set Quince Pros: 100% long-staple cotton 270 thread count cotton percale 365-return window Budget-friendly Cons: Percale weave may not be preferred by those who like smoother, silkier textures Percale sheets have a crisp, breathable weave that promotes airflow due to their woven in a crisscross pattern. So, if you sleep hot, it's a great choice for you, but they tend to feel a bit more textured compared to viscose or traditional cotton. Several of our editors are fans of Quince for delivering impressive quality at a fraction of the price. By skipping retail markups and selling directly to customers, Quince keeps costs low without compromising on performance. Size: Twin to King | Depth: 16 inches | Color options: 12 | Certifications: GOTS Certified Best Pima Percale Cotton Sheets: Pima Cotton Percale Sheet L.L. Bean Pros: Affordable pricing Nine shades to choose from Twin to California King Free shipping with a $75 purchase Cons: Pocket depth only reaches 15 inches If you're after softness that doesn't fade over time, Pima cotton is a solid bet. Its long fibers give it a naturally smooth, almost silky texture that gets softer over time. Unlike some fabrics that wear out or pill, this one stays looking and feeling new even after repeated washes. Need more Twin XL picks? Check out these sets. Other places to find percale sheets are Lands' End and Pottery Barn. Size: Twin to California King | Depth: 15 inches | Color options: 9 | Certifications: n/a Best Egyptian Cotton Percale Sheets: Brooklinen Cooling Cotton Percale Core Sheet Set Brooklinen Pros: 100% long-staple cotton Tested for harmful substances Cons: Returns are subject to a $9.95 fee Egyptian cotton sheets are made from high-quality, long-staple cotton grown in Egypt, renowned for their exceptional softness, breathability, and long-lasting properties: 100% long-staple cotton. Brooklinen designed these Cooling Cotton Percale Core Sheet Sets for hot sleepers with an OEKO-TEX certification for chemical safety to protect you against any allergies or toxic materials in cheaper bedding. Size: Twin to California King | Depth: 16 inches | Color options: 18 | Certifications: OEKO-TEX certified for chemical safety Amazon Pros: Made from OEKO-TEX-certified 100% organic cotton Priced under $40 with frequent discounts Best on Amazon Cons: Limited thread count (200-range) If you're looking for high-quality, affordable bedding that doesn't compromise on comfort or sustainability, the LANE LINEN 100% Organic Cotton Full Sheet Set is a standout choice. Made from OEKO-TEX certified organic cotton with a crisp percale weave, these sheets offer a breathable, hotel-quality feel that's soft, durable, and ideal for hot sleepers. With eco-conscious packaging, reinforced seams, and deep pockets for a secure fit, this 4-piece set delivers both everyday luxury and peace of mind — all at a price that's hard to beat. Size: Twin to California King | Depth: 15 inches | Color options: 30 | Certifications: OEKO-TEX certified OneBed Pros: OEKO-TEX certified 100-night sleep trial Extremely soft Cons: Prone to wrinkling For a crisp and soft set of bed sheets, we recommend the OneBed Cool & Lazy Sheet Set. It's percale weave makes them feel similar to hotel sheets, and they come in lots of different color options. While they're prone to wrinkling, we do like the 360-degree elastic that stops edges from slipping off while you snooze. Best of all, they're OEKO-TEX certified, so if you're concerned about chemicals, rest easy. Materials: 100% organic cotton | Depth:15 inches | Colors: 11 options | Size: Twin to California King | Certifications: OEKO-TEX certified free of harmful chemicals How we tested To find the best percale sheets, we evaluated dozens of popular brands and models across several key categories: breathability, softness, wear and tear, and overall sleep experience. Although we have a small amount of percale sheets we've tested, we've gone through many, many cotton sets to understand how the material breathes. We paid special attention to how the fabric felt on the skin, how well it regulated body temperature, and how it held up after repeated laundering. We also considered consumer reviews and expert recommendations, including insights from trusted sources such as The New York Post's bedding guides, to make sure our selections aligned with what real users value most. What is the best thread count for percale sheets? When it comes to thread count, more isn't always better, especially with percale. The best thread count for percale sheets typically ranges from 200 to 300. This range offers the perfect balance of softness, breathability, and how it wears over time. Unlike sateen sheets, which benefit from higher thread counts for a silkier feel, percale's lightweight weave thrives in a lower range to preserve its crisp, cool texture. Raising the thread count above 400 can sometimes result in denser, heavier sheets that reduce airflow, counteracting one of the primary benefits of percale. When shopping for cotton percale sheets, look for a thread count in the 200 to 300 range for the most comfortable sleep experience. What is the difference between 100% cotton and 100% cotton percale? When comparing percale vs. cotton sheets, the differences are minimal because, most of the time, both are made from cotton. The label 100% cotton simply refers to the material itself, but it doesn't tell you anything about how the fabric is woven. 100% cotton percale, on the other hand, means the sheets are made entirely of cotton and use the percale weave. This distinction matters because the weave dramatically affects the feel, breathability, and performance of your bedding, allowing more air to circulate between the sheets. Regular 100% cotton sheets might use a sateen, twill, or jersey knit, all of which have different textures and thermal qualities. Percale sheets made from 100% cotton are matte, crisp, and cool to the touch, making them ideal for hot sleepers or those who prefer the just-washed feel. When comparing your options, understanding the difference between simple cotton and 100% cotton percale can help you make a more informed choice for better sleep. And if you're comparing percale vs. sateen sheets, it really comes down to personal preference. Percale sheets are matte, crisp, and tend to get softer with each wash, while sateen sheets are smoother and silkier with a subtle sheen. Bottom line? It's all a matter of personal preference. For over 200 years, the New York Post has been America's go-to source for bold news, engaging stories, in-depth reporting, and now, insightful shopping guidance. We're not just thorough reporters – we sift through mountains of information, test and compare products, and consult experts on any topics we aren't already schooled specialists in to deliver useful, realistic product recommendations based on our extensive and hands-on analysis. Here at The Post, we're known for being brutally honest – we clearly label partnership content, and whether we receive anything from affiliate links, so you always know where we stand. We routinely update content to reflect current research and expert advice, provide context (and wit) and ensure our links work. Please note that deals can expire, and all prices are subject to change. Looking for a headline-worthy haul? Keep shopping Post Wanted.
