Call Us Now
202-960-4596
Schedule a Free Consultation
Elkton, Maryland, residents face a serious environmental health threat. “Forever chemicals” called PFAS have contaminated local well water for decades. These dangerous chemicals are now linked to cancer and other serious health problems in the community.
According to The Washington Post, the contamination comes from W.L. Gore & Associates’ facilities. Gore used a PFAS chemical called PFOA in their manufacturing from the 1970s through 2014. Many residents only learned about this contamination in 2023—decades after their exposure began.
The Maryland Department of the Environment (MDE) confirmed that PFAS contamination is an issue in multiple counties, including Cecil County, where Elkton is located. State testing programs continue to evaluate the extent of the problem and the risks to private well owners.
PFAS, or per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, are often called “forever chemicals.” They earned this nickname because they never break down in nature; they build up in the human body over time, and even very small amounts can trigger health problems. According to scientists, there is no truly safe level of exposure.
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has proposed strict drinking water standards, setting the limit at just 4 parts per trillion (ppt) for PFOA. Wells near Gore facilities in Elkton, however, tested as high as 1,800 ppt. That level is 450 times higher than what is considered safe for drinking water.
The health risks of PFAS are well documented. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR) have both warned that PFAS exposure can affect nearly every organ system. The National Academies of Sciences even issued a 2022 report urging doctors to monitor patients with suspected PFAS exposure.
Long-term exposure to PFOA, one of the most dangerous PFAS compounds, has been linked to cancers such as kidney and testicular cancer. Researchers have also found strong connections to cardiovascular problems, including high cholesterol and heart disease. These chemicals can weaken the immune system, reduce the effectiveness of vaccines, and interfere with reproductive health, leading to fertility struggles, pregnancy complications, and low birth weights. Other studies have linked PFAS to thyroid disease, liver damage, and inflammatory bowel disease.
The Washington Post investigation found widespread contamination affecting multiple neighborhoods. Residents like Debbie Blankenship discovered high PFOA levels in well water after years of unexplained illnesses affecting families and pets.
Testing in 2023 revealed:
According to the Environmental Working Group (EWG) contamination map, Elkton is one of many Maryland communities where PFAS spread beyond industrial property lines, potentially impacting far more households.
If you live in Elkton or a surrounding area, the first step is to stop drinking your well water until it has been tested and treated. Residents should also avoid cooking with untested water or using it to prepare food. Medical experts recommend that anyone with possible exposure ask their doctor about PFAS blood testing. Keeping thorough records of your water tests, your medical history, and your address history may become important evidence in the future.
Although W.L. Gore has provided filtration systems to some residents, not everyone has received them. The Maryland Department of the Environment (MDE) continues to provide guidance for private well owners, and residents are encouraged to request independent water testing to ensure their water supply is safe.
The EPA estimates over 158 million Americans are exposed to PFAS in their water. Maryland faces additional risks from:
Because private wells aren’t federally regulated, contamination like in Elkton can remain hidden for years.
Several lawsuits have been filed over PFAS contamination in Elkton. In 2023, Maryland Attorney General Anthony Brown sued Gore, calling the pollution “unacceptable.” Local residents have also filed class-action lawsuits seeking compensation.
Nationwide, PFAS lawsuits have been consolidated into multi-district litigation (MDL), underscoring the scale of water contamination across the country.
If you lived in Elkton or elsewhere in Maryland and believe you were exposed to PFAS, you may have legal rights. Maryland law gives you three years from when you discover your illness was linked to toxic exposure to file a lawsuit.
An experienced toxic tort attorney in Maryland can help prove:
Victims of toxic exposure in Maryland may recover damages for:
Regan Zambri Long has helped clients recover over $1 billion in injury and toxic exposure cases.
PFAS drinking water lawsuits are complex and require lawyers who understand:
Most Maryland PFAS cancer claim lawyers work on contingency, so you pay no upfront costs.
Time limits matter. You only have three years from discovering your illness was caused by toxic exposure to file a lawsuit in Maryland. Don’t delay—evidence and records can disappear over time.
Free consultations are available. A Maryland PFAS water contamination lawyer can review your medical history, water test results, and explain your legal options.
Act now. The sooner you get legal advice, the stronger your case will be.
The PFAS contamination in Elkton, Maryland, highlights the need for strong environmental protections and corporate accountability. Cleanup may take decades, but residents can take action now to protect their health and legal rights.
If you or your family were harmed by PFAS in Maryland, don’t wait. Contact the experienced toxic tort attorneys at Regan Zambri Long for a free consultation.
Time limits apply, so reach out today to learn about your rights and pursue compensation.
This article references reporting from The Washington Post (Aug. 14, 2025), EPA PFAS drinking water standards, CDC/ATSDR PFAS health guidance, Maryland Department of the Environment, National Academies of Sciences (2022 report), and Environmental Working Group contamination data.
Have you or your loved one sustained injuries in Washington DC, Maryland or Virginia? Regan Zambri Long PLLC has the best lawyers in the country to analyze your case and answer the questions you may have.