Washington – September 18, 2026 -- The National Press Club will host a screening of "Contaminated: The Carpet Industry's Toxic Legacy" on September 30 at 6:00 p.m., spotlighting a joint investigation into PFAS chemical contamination linked to carpet manufacturing across Georgia, Alabama and South Carolina.
Five newsrooms collaborated on a multi-state PFAS contamination probe
The documentary was produced by FRONTLINE (PBS), The Associated Press, The Atlanta Journal-Constitution, The Post and Courier and AL.com. The investigation draws on thousands of pages of documents and court depositions, alongside interviews with former regulators, industry insiders, doctors and scientists studying illnesses linked to PFAS exposure.
PFAS chemicals used in stain-resistant carpets tied to regional water contamination
The film examines how PFAS compounds, once widely used to make carpets stain-resistant, entered water systems and surrounding environments in the three states, with reporters tracing ongoing health impacts associated with the chemicals' persistence in ecosystems.
Panel discussion follows screening with reporters and FRONTLINE director
After the 6:00 p.m. screening, journalist Dylan Jackson, FRONTLINE director Jonathan Schienberg and journalist Maggie Kates will join a 7:00 p.m. panel discussion on how cross-newsroom collaboration uncovered the contamination story and its impact on affected communities.
Tickets priced at $5 for members, $15 for non-members
The event will be held on the 13th floor of the National Press Building at 529 14th St., NW, Washington, D.C. Tickets cost $5 for National Press Club members and $15 for non-members.