Major Corporations Seek to Keep PFAS Records Hidden from the Public
Chemours and DuPont, two chemical industry giants, are facing heightened scrutiny as they attempt to seal court documents in a lawsuit alleging widespread PFAS contamination of the Cape Fear River, a vital drinking water source for southeastern North Carolina. The companies claim the records contain proprietary business information, but communities and environmental groups say the public deserves full transparency — especially when it concerns the health and safety of hundreds of thousands of North Carolinians.
The lawsuit, brought by downstream utilities, argues that Chemours and DuPont polluted the river with toxic per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) for years, leaving water providers with the burden of filtering the chemicals out. Plaintiffs and environmental advocates argue that these court records could reveal crucial details about how much the companies knew about the dangers of PFAS and when.
Adding to the controversy, many of the documents Chemours and DuPont now want to seal were not originally marked as confidential during the discovery process. Critics call this a transparent effort to limit public awareness of corporate misconduct. A decisive hearing is set for May 6, 2025, before Judge Phyllis Gorham in New Hanover County.
Defendants in these cases strongly deny any liability and/or wrongdoing.
IMPORTANT: Our attorneys are actively investigating claims that may qualify for a North Carolina PFAS lawsuit. If you or a loved one has suffered a qualifying health problem (see below) potentially caused by PFAS contamination in NC, 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.
Recent Developments: Federal Court Allows PFAS Lawsuits to Move Forward
The push to allegedly hide information comes as legal momentum against PFAS manufacturers builds. In March 2025, a North Carolina federal judge partially granted homeowners' motions for judgment against DuPont for contaminating private property with PFAS. While the judge ruled that determining damages will be left to a jury, this marks a significant step for residents seeking justice for years of contamination.
These cases are just the latest in a series of high-profile lawsuits involving PFAS pollution across North Carolina, affecting both public water systems and private landowners.
PFAS Contamination Hotspots in North Carolina
Communities across the state are feeling the direct impact of this ongoing crisis, including:
- Cape Fear River Basin: Contaminated by the Chemours Fayetteville Works facility, the Cape Fear River has recorded some of the nation's highest PFAS levels.
- Haw River (Pittsboro): Contamination has infiltrated the local drinking water, likely from a mix of upstream industrial discharges.
- Jordan Lake: Although contamination is less severe, PFAS have been detected in this critical drinking water source.
- Greensboro: The city’s Mitchell Water Treatment Plant continues to battle PFAS pollution, suspected to originate from nearby industrial sites.
You can learn more about these PFAS hotspots in North Carolina in our companion blog post.
What Are PFAS and Why Are They Dangerous?
PFAS, often called "forever chemicals," are a group of synthetic substances used since the 1940s in products such as non-stick cookware, stain-resistant fabrics, and firefighting foam. These chemicals do not naturally break down in the environment or human body, leading to long-term exposure risks.
Health risks linked to PFAS exposure include:
- Kidney, liver, testicular, and prostate cancers
- Immune system suppression
- Thyroid disorders
- Reproductive and developmental problems
- Elevated cholesterol and cardiovascular issues
How Do I Know If I Qualify for a PFAS Lawsuit?
If you meet any of the following conditions, you may be eligible to file a PFAS lawsuit:
- You were exposed to PFAS-contaminated water or products through:
- Residential proximity to contaminated water sources.
- Occupational exposure in industries utilizing PFAS.
- Use of products containing PFAS.
- You have been diagnosed with a serious health condition linked to PFAS exposure, including:
- Kidney cancer
- Testicular cancer
- Prostate cancer
- Liver cancer
- Thyroid disease
- Ulcerative colitis
- Other significant health issues associated with PFAS.
- You can document exposure and health impacts linked to PFAS.
Justice for North Carolina Families
At Riddle & Riddle Injury Lawyers, we are committed to holding potentially liable manufacturers like Chemours, DuPont, and other responsible parties accountable. As a North Carolina-based law firm, we know these communities personally — they are our neighbors. We are actively investigating PFAS cases in North Carolina and have a proven track record of fighting and winning environmental justice cases.
If you or a loved one has suffered from PFAS exposure in North Carolina, you may be entitled to significant compensation. Call 1-800-525-7111 for a free case review today. There are no upfront costs, and we don’t get paid unless you do.
When Justice Counts™, count on the North Carolina PFAS attorneys at Riddle & Riddle.