Dalton Family Joins PFAS Lawsuit as Carpet Industry Liability Fight Grows

Amber and Leroy Fletcher say their property has been contaminated with 'forever chemicals' from the carpet industry.

Published on Feb. 19, 2026

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Amber and Leroy Fletcher, a couple from Dalton, Georgia, have joined a lawsuit against carpet manufacturers Mohawk and Shaw, as well as chemical suppliers, over PFAS contamination on their property. The Fletchers say test results showed PFAS levels more than 1,000 percent above EPA standards in the creek running through their land, which their children used to play in. The lawsuit comes as lawmakers debate a bill that would shield carpet companies from certain civil damages if they can prove they did not know the chemicals they used were harmful.

Why it matters

PFAS chemicals, known as 'forever chemicals' for their resistance to breaking down in the environment, have been a growing concern in northwest Georgia due to contamination linked to the carpet industry. The Fletchers' lawsuit represents a growing number of individuals and communities seeking accountability and cleanup from the companies they believe are responsible.

The details

The Fletchers purchased their 5-acre property in Dalton in 2011. Years later, they noticed their water smelling different and decided to test their land, soil, and water for PFAS contamination in 2024. The test results showed PFAS levels more than 1,000 percent above EPA standards in the creek running through their property, where their children used to play. After the results, the family joined PFAS Georgia in a lawsuit against carpet manufacturers Mohawk and Shaw, as well as chemical suppliers involved in the carpet-making process, believing the carpet industry is responsible for contaminating their land.

  • The Fletchers purchased their property in 2011.
  • In 2024, the Fletchers decided to test their land, soil, and water for PFAS contamination.
  • After the test results, the Fletchers joined PFAS Georgia in a lawsuit against carpet manufacturers and chemical suppliers.

The players

Amber and Leroy Fletcher

A couple from Dalton, Georgia who purchased a 5-acre property in 2011 and later discovered PFAS contamination on their land.

Mohawk

A carpet manufacturer named in the lawsuit by the Fletchers.

Shaw

A carpet manufacturer named in the lawsuit by the Fletchers.

Representative Kasey Carpenter

A Georgia state representative who has introduced a bill that would shield carpet companies from certain civil damages if they can prove they did not know the chemicals they used were harmful.

PFAS Georgia

A group that the Fletchers have joined in the lawsuit against the carpet industry.

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What they’re saying

“It's not just affecting us, it's affecting people downstream. This is an ongoing issue.”

— Amber Fletcher (newschannel9.com)

“There's a lot of people here that has been affected by PFAs. And you know, they need to make things right.”

— Leroy Fletcher (newschannel9.com)

“How is that right? How is that right?”

— Leroy Fletcher (newschannel9.com)

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow the Fletchers and PFAS Georgia to proceed with the lawsuit against the carpet manufacturers and chemical suppliers.

The takeaway

The Fletchers' lawsuit highlights the growing concern over PFAS contamination in northwest Georgia linked to the carpet industry, and the fight for accountability and cleanup efforts from the companies believed to be responsible for the pollution.