Morganton resident produces PBS FRONTLINE episode that airs tonight

A Morganton resident helped bring a major environmental investigation to the national stage.

Veteran investigative journalist Dana Miller Ervin served as a producer on a new PBS FRONTLINE documentary examining how decades of chemical use by the Southern carpet industry contaminated drinking water and exposed entire communities to serious health risks.

The film, “Contaminated: The Carpet Industry’s Toxic Legacy,” investigates the widespread use of PFAS — often called “forever chemicals” — by carpet manufacturers in northwest Georgia. Scientists have linked PFAS exposure to cancers, organ damage, immune system suppression, and developmental harm.

Scheduled to be broadcast tonight on PBS, the documentary can also be streamed on PBS's Frontline website. Check local listings for times and channels.

Though the documentary focuses on one region, the implications reach far beyond Georgia. PFAS are found in water systems nationwide, including products used everyday.

Ervin says the story is ultimately about accountability — and why communities across the country should be paying attention.

QUICK HIGHLIGHTS

The Investigation: A joint project by PBS FRONTLINE, the Associated Press, and multiple major newsrooms.

The Chemicals: PFAS, linked to cancer and other serious health risks, found in water supplies nationwide.

The Local Connection: Morganton-based journalist Dana Miller Ervin helped produce the national documentary.

Watch the documentary tonight on PBS — and read more about Ervin’s role and what the investigation reveals in Saturday’s edition of The Paper.

—AVN