JUDGE DECLARES C-8 IS HAZARDOUS TO HUMANS - Wood Co. Class Action Suit Will Move Ahead

(05/07/2003)
The release of a court decision might be a set back in an ongoing environmental battle between some citizens in Wood County and the DuPont's Washington Works.

Wood County Circuit Court Judge George W. Hill has found C-8, a chemical used to make Teflon and other products, is toxic and hazardous to humans.

The company has been ordered to pay for tests on citizens who may have been affected.

Lubeck and Washington area residents sued DuPont in August 2001, claiming the company's Washington Works plant had released the chemical into drinking water supplies.

DuPont scientists and officials have said there are no known health effects from the chemical, which the company has used for more than 50 years.

Judge George W. Hill's ruling on April 29th allows a class-action lawsuit filed by Jack W. Leach to move forward.

DuPont has until May 30th to file an appeal.