Protest set for Wilmington, Del. DuPont meeting

Courier-Post (DE), Staff
Published April 24, 2006

WILMINGTON, Del. -- Environmentalists and union leaders are set to hold a protest at a DuPont shareholders meeting on Thursday over what they say is community pollution stemming from the company's handling of components used to make Teflon. At the meeting, a group of shareholders, including an investment fund, union workers and the Sisters of Mercy, will ask the company to phase out production of the compound, known as PFOA, and issue a report on its use in DuPont products. Nearly 2,000 people are suing the company, including a pair of Salem County residents who filed suit recently alleging DuPont polluted drinking water for Carneys Point and Penns Grove and hid problems from workers. In a statement last week, DuPont maintains the allegations are without merit. "Based on health and toxicological studies conducted by DuPont and other researchers, DuPont believes the weight of evidence indicates that PFOA exposure does not pose a health risk to the general public," the company said. Numerous lawsuits, like the one in New Jersey, are being bundled into one $5 billion class action against DuPont. A DuPont spokesman has said the Wilmington, Del.-based company will vigorously defend itself against these allegations. _________ WHAT IS PFOA? PFOA stands for perfluorooctanoic acid, a synthetic chemical that does not occur naturally in the environment. PFOA is sometimes called ''C8.'' Companies use PFOA to make fluoropolymers, substances with special properties that have thousands of manufacturing and industrial applications, according to the federal Environmental Protection Agency. Consumer products made with fluoropolymers include Teflon non-stick cookware, and breathable, all-weather clothing. These products are not PFOA, however. The information that EPA has available does not indicate that the routine use of household products poses a concern. The agency does not believe there is any reason for consumers to stop using any products because of concerns about PFOA. The federal Science Advisory Board has issued a draft report that has classified PFOA in the environment as a possible carcinogen. DuPont argues its studies show that PFOA does not pose a public health risk. TEFLON ALTERNATIVES Opponents of Teflon-coated cookware argue high heat releases PFOA fumes that can sicken you. The Environmental Working Group recommends replacing Teflon cookware if you can afford to. It recommends stainless steel.