For years, residents near Chemours' Fayetteville Works plant have worried about PFAS — often called "forever chemicals" — contaminating their drinking water. A new study from North Carolina State University now raises even more alarming concerns: PFAS are also present inside homes in the area, embedded in everyday household dust.
Researchers collected dust samples from 65 homes within six miles of the plant, located in Cumberland and Bladen counties. Every single home tested positive for at least one PFAS chemical, and most contained multiple types. In fact, GenX — a well-known PFAS compound associated with Chemours' operations — was found in nearly 9 out of 10 homes. The closer a home was to the plant, the higher the concentration of PFAS.
Another Exposure Route for Families
PFAS contamination is no longer just a drinking water issue. This new study reveals that airborne emissions from the plant are likely settling as dust particles inside people's homes, creating another dangerous route of exposure. These chemicals are easily inhaled or ingested, especially by young children who spend time on floors and frequently come into contact with dust.
Key Findings From the Study:
- At least one PFAS chemical was detected in 100% of dust samples.
- GenX was found in 89% of homes tested.
- Six other PFAS associated with the plant appeared in more than 75% of homes.
- Concentrations were significantly higher in homes located closer to the plant.
- Over 90% of homes contained high levels of additional PFAS not directly linked to Chemours.
PFAS exposure has already been linked to serious health concerns, including cancers, liver damage, immune dysfunction, and developmental problems. This discovery adds yet another layer of urgency to the growing crisis.
IMPORTANT: Riddle & Riddle Injury Lawyers are actively investigating claims that PFAS contamination caused health problems across North Carolina. If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with a qualifying health problem after exposure to PFAS, please call 1-800-525-7111 for a free case review. There are no upfront costs, and we don’t get paid unless you do in a North Carolina PFAS lawsuit or claim.
State Regulators Respond, But Is It Enough?
The state has recently ordered Chemours to expand well water testing to over 150,000 additional homes across six counties. However, this latest study suggests that testing well water alone may not be enough to protect residents. Airborne PFAS contamination may require expanded testing of indoor environments and more aggressive mitigation measures.
PFAS Crisis in North Carolina Continues to Grow
The dust study is just the latest development in a string of legal and environmental challenges for Chemours and DuPont. As of April 2025, recent developments include:
- Pending Court Battle: Chemours and DuPont are currently seeking to seal court documents related to PFAS contamination lawsuits. Advocates argue the public deserves transparency, especially given the ongoing health risks.
- Homeowners' Lawsuits Move Forward: In April 2025, a federal judge ruled that PFAS lawsuits against DuPont brought by North Carolina homeowners could proceed, with damages to be determined by a jury.
- PFAS Detected in Animals: A previous NC State study found elevated PFAS levels in dogs and horses in the Gray's Creek community, even when animals only drank bottled water — further suggesting airborne or dust-based exposure.
It is important to note that Chemours, DuPont, and other defendants in PFAS litigation strongly deny any liability and/or wrongdoing.
Health Risks Associated with PFAS Exposure
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and other public health authorities have linked PFAS exposure to:
- Kidney, testicular, liver, and prostate cancer
- Thyroid disorders
- Liver damage
- Immune system suppression
- Developmental delays in children
- Elevated cholesterol
Do You Qualify for a PFAS Lawsuit?
You may be eligible to file a PFAS lawsuit if:
- You or a loved one lived, worked, or consumed water near contaminated areas such as communities near the Chemours Fayetteville Works facility, the Cape Fear River, Haw River, or Jordan Lake.
- The injured party has been diagnosed with:
- Kidney cancer
- Testicular cancer
- Liver cancer
- Prostate cancer
- Thyroid disease
- Ulcerative colitis
- You have documentation of exposure and resulting health effects.
Please call 1-800-525-7111 to speak with an experienced North Carolina PFAS lawyer about a potential claim or lawsuit. The case review is free, there are no upfront costs, and you won’t pay any attorney fees unless we win your case — and you receive compensation.
Free Case Review Available
At Riddle & Riddle Injury Lawyers, we are actively investigating PFAS cases for families and individuals across North Carolina and are ready to file PFAS lawsuits in North Carolina. North Carolina is our home and we’re committed to seeking justice for North Carolinians. Many of our own employees live in areas impacted by PFAS contamination and this litigation is very personal to us.
If you or a family member has suffered due to PFAS exposure, call 1-800-525-7111 for a free case review today. You pay nothing unless we recover compensation on your behalf.
When Justice Counts™, count on the team at Riddle & Riddle Injury Lawyers.