Lawsuit alleges DuPont plant contaminated New Jersey water
By Holly Fleming
Published on April 19, 2006
The lawsuit alleges that the pollution is related to the manufacturing of perfluorinated chemicals, including PFOA, at DuPont's Chambers Works plant. PFOA, or perfluorooctanoic acid, is a chemical used in the manufacturing of fluoropolymers, which are used to make nonstick cookware and other items.
The plaintiffs are seeking class-action status and compensatory and punitive damages.
DuPont has known for years that the Chamber Works plant was releasing PFOA into the air and contaminating the groundwater, the lawsuit states.
DuPont released a statement saying the lawsuit is without merit and that PFOA has not been linked to any health problems in humans.
A 2003 report by DuPont found that PFOA was being released into the Delaware River at high concentrations and had been detected in a water intake for Salem Canal, designated as a drinking water source.
In early March of 2006, Environmental Protection Agency officials quietly admitted that PFOA may be unsafe for humans and the environment.
The EPA and DuPont both have said that Teflon is safe for consumers, but have agreed to phase-out some fluorine-containing chemicals used in its production.
Keyword Tags: