DUPONT HALTING PRODUCTION OF CONTROVERSIAL C8

(03/16/2005)
DuPont is planning to reduce the amount of a controversial chemical used in the manufacture of Teflon.

The company says that by the end of next year, the chemical known as C-8 will be largely replaced by a new material.

DuPont, without admitting guilt, recently accepted a $108 million dollar settlement in a Wood County court case which charged that the chemical contaminated drinking water and possibly caused health problems.

The company will pay millions more, according to the settlement, if C-8 is found to have affected the health of mid-Ohio Valley residents.

The original lawsuit was filed in August 2001 on behalf of people living near the plant.

The EPA is reportedly issuing a fine against the corporation because they failed to disclose problems with newborn babies belonging to women who worked there.

DuPont is the mid-Ohio Valley's largest employer.