DuPont, 3M criticized for production of probable carcinogen

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DuPont, 3M criticized for production of " probable " carcinogen

 

Public furor is simmering over a chemical used in Teflon, Scotchgard, and other

miracles of non-stick, stain-resistant living. Protesters picketed DuPont's

annual shareholder meeting in Delaware yesterday, upset over the company's

environmental and labor policies -- including its production of PFOA

(perfluorooctanoic acid), a " probable " carcinogen. " I will go to the

stockholders meeting to show them the face of someone dying of cancer, " said

Maryanne McGonegal of Common Cause of Delaware, a government watchdog group. " We

have to make them understand that people die because of their environmental

practices. " The company plans to phase out PFOA production by 2015, but

maintains that it knows of " no human health effects " from the chemical.

Meanwhile, an internal report from fellow giant 3M shows that that company was

worried about PFOA and related chemicals infiltrating soil, water, and human

bodies as long ago as 1983. Concerned 3M officials, quick on the draw, phased

the

compounds out in 2002.

 

straight to the source: The News Journal, Luladey B. Tadesse, 26 Apr 2007

 

 

straight to the source: Star Tribune, David Shaffer and Tom Meersman, 24 Apr

2007