Dangerous Levels of “Forever Chemicals” Found in Homegrown Produce Near Chemours Plant
A troubling new study has confirmed that produce grown in home gardens near the Chemours chemical plant in Fayetteville, North Carolina, contains dangerous levels of PFAS — per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances. Known as "forever chemicals" for their resistance to natural breakdown, PFAS have been linked to cancer, liver damage, birth defects, and a wide range of chronic health issues.
This latest research adds to the mounting evidence that PFAS contamination is not only pervasive in drinking water but also increasingly present in our food supply—particularly in areas located near industrial polluters.
At Riddle & Riddle, we are actively investigating these claims and representing clients in North Carolina PFAS lawsuits. For a free case review, please call 1-800-525-7111.
A Closer Look at the Study
The peer-reviewed study examined 53 samples of fruits and vegetables from five home gardens within several miles of the Chemours facility. All samples — taken between 2013 and 2019 — tested positive for PFAS.
Even more alarming, researchers found that:
- Airborne contamination is a significant exposure pathway, not just water.
- A child consuming just 10 blueberries from one garden would ingest GenX, a PFAS compound, at levels equivalent to drinking a liter of water that exceeds the federal limit.
- Adults eating just 40 blueberries could reach the same toxic exposure.
- Several PFAS compounds found have no established health risk data, making their long-term impact unknown.
Chemours, the chemical giant responsible for the pollution, has downplayed the study by pointing out that the findings are based on a small geographical area and that pollution controls were installed after the time period studied.
What Are PFAS and Why Are They So Dangerous?
PFAS are a group of more than 16,000 synthetic chemicals used in manufacturing products that resist heat, water, oil, and stains. They're found in nonstick cookware, food packaging, firefighting foam, waterproof clothing, and even cosmetics.
Because PFAS don’t degrade in the environment, they accumulate in soil, water, and ultimately, in the human body. This is why PFAS are often referred to as “forever chemicals.”
Health problems associated with PFAS exposure include:
- Cancer (kidney, testicular, and others)
- Liver damage
- Thyroid disease
- Immune system dysfunction
- Developmental delays in children
- Lowered sperm counts and fertility issues
Despite increasing scientific consensus about the dangers of PFAS, the federal government and many states — including North Carolina — have been slow to regulate or clean up the widespread contamination.
Our firm is actively investigating these claims and we are ready to help however we can. If you’ve suffered due to PFAS contamination in North Carolina, call our experienced lawyers today at 1-800-525-7111 for a free case review.
North Carolina Communities at Risk
The Chemours facility, formerly operated by DuPont, has been at the center of North Carolina’s PFAS crisis for years. The Cape Fear River, a major drinking water source, has been heavily contaminated by PFAS discharged from the plant. And now, this new research shows that soil and air are also conduits for contamination—putting families who grow their own food at serious risk.
Who Is Most Vulnerable?
- Children, who consume more food per body weight than adults and are more susceptible to toxins.
- Pregnant people, as PFAS can cross the placenta and affect fetal development.
- Residents relying on private wells, who may be unaware of contamination levels.
- Rural populations, who often face systemic barriers to environmental justice and health care.
What Can You Do if You Think You’ve Been Exposed?
If you live near the Chemours facility or another known PFAS source in North Carolina, and you or your family are experiencing health problems, you may have legal options. Residents in areas like Fayetteville, Wilmington, and along the Cape Fear River have already begun filing lawsuits to hold polluters accountable.
You may qualify for a North Carolina PFAS lawsuit if:
- You lived or worked near a PFAS-contaminated site
- You consumed contaminated water or food
- You have been diagnosed with a condition linked to PFAS exposure
If you or a loved one has suffered due to PFAS contamination, call 1-800-525-7111 today for a free case review. There are no upfront costs and we don’t get paid unless you do.
PFAS Lawsuits in North Carolina: Seeking Accountability
At Riddle & Riddle, we’re currently reviewing claims from North Carolina residents who may have been harmed by PFAS contamination. Our legal team is actively investigating the impacts of toxic chemical exposure on families and communities — particularly those who unknowingly ingested PFAS through their homegrown food or drinking water.
If you believe you may qualify for a North Carolina PFAS lawsuit, please call our legal team at 1-800-525-7111 for a free case review.
Why Choose Riddle & Riddle Injury Lawyers?
- We’re North Carolina-based attorneys who understand the local environmental and legal landscape.
- We’ve recovered over $850 million in compensation for valued clients since 2000 alone (see disclaimer below).
- We fight aggressively to hold potentially negligent chemical companies accountable.
- We offer free case reviews with no obligation.
Our firm is led by father-daughter duo Gene Riddle, managing partner and attorney, and Alex Riddle, partner and attorney. We strive to treat every client like family, and, in that spirit, in 2025 were proud to be named a “Best Family-Run Law Firm” by North Carolina Lawyers Weekly.
Call Us Today for a Free PFAS Lawsuit Evaluation
If you believe your health or your family’s wellbeing has been affected by PFAS exposure in North Carolina, don’t wait. Call Riddle & Riddle at 1-800-525-7111 for a free case review. We’ll help you understand your rights and determine whether you qualify for a North Carolina PFAS lawsuit.
When Justice Counts™, count on the team at Riddle & Riddle Injury Lawyers.