May 7, 2008 - DuPont Plant Pollutes N.J. Groundwater

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DuPont just announced that it discovered chemical residues from a Teflon ingredient—perfluorooctanoic acid, or PFOA—in the groundwater near its Chambers Works plant in Deepwater, New Jersey.  Testing confirmed that 9 wells around the plant contained PFOA concentrations as high as 35 times the alert level established by N.J regulators. 

PFOA is a synthetic chemical used to make fluoropolymers, which are used to make non-stick cookware.  The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) began investigating PFOA because it can linger in the environment for years without breaking down. PFOA has been discovered in the environment, is estimated to be present in the blood of 96% of the general population, and has recently been detected in the milk of nursing mothers.

PFOA is believed to be carcinogenic and has caused developmental and other adverse effects in laboratory animals.  The Center for Disease Control and John Hopkins University have also reported that both low birth weight and reduced head circumference in newborn babies have been linked to PFOA.

In January 2006, the EPA and eight major companies, including DuPont, created the 2010/2015 Stewardship Program that involves a commitment to reduce facility emissions and product content of PFOA and related chemicals by 95% by 2010 and to work toward eliminating emissions and product content completely by 2015.

"We have committed to no longer make, buy, or use PFOA by 2015, or earlier if possible," DuPont Plant Manager, Bland Dickey, said. "We have made excellent progress toward that goal by significantly reducing emissions and developing new products that are more environmentally sustainable."

Dickey confirmed the existence of at least one lawsuit that is pending against DuPont because of higher than average PFOA levels in the blood.

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