A Seattle law firm, Hagens Berman Sobol Shapiro, has filed a federal class-action lawsuit on behalf of Micah Mason, a Spokane Valley resident, against W.L. Gore & Associates, the maker of Gore-Tex. The lawsuit alleges that Gore-Tex products contain harmful “forever chemicals” known as PFAS, despite being marketed as environmentally friendly. The suit claims that the company has engaged in “greenwashing,” misleading consumers about its environmental responsibility. PFAS are synthetic chemicals known to cause health issues such as cancer and thyroid disease, and they are slow to degrade in the environment.
According to the complaint, Mason purchased Gore-Tex snow pants in 2021, believing they were environmentally safe due to the company’s advertising. However, nowhere on the product’s label did it disclose the presence of PFAS. The lawsuit alleges that Gore-Tex garments shed PFAS into the environment during regular use, contaminating water supplies and natural areas. While W.L. Gore announced in 2021 that it had developed a new Gore-Tex lining without PFAS, the suit contends the company continues to use PFAS-based materials in other products and fails to disclose this information.
The case seeks to represent consumers from 28 states who purchased Gore-Tex products from 2018 to 2024. Attorneys have requested over $5 million in damages, though the exact amount will be determined at trial. The lawsuit underscores growing consumer concerns over PFAS in everyday products and the accountability of companies marketing themselves as environmentally responsible. As the case progresses, it may shed more light on the environmental impact of widely-used outdoor gear.
This blog is intended to provide information to the general public and to practitioners about developments that may impact Oregon class actions.
