DuPont Co. has reached a settlement with federal officials over the charges that DuPont had concealed the harmful health effects of perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA), a chemical used to produce Teflon.
As Much as $313 Million
Neither DuPont nor the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) have disclosed the terms of the deal. The agency could have fined the company as much as $313 million.
Concealed for 20 Years
The EPA has alleged that DuPont covered up important information about health effects and water supply pollution for 20 years. Environmental groups have asked federal officials to impose substantial fines on DuPont for failing to tell the government that PFOA can pass from a mother's blood to her fetus. The chemical has been linked to both cancer and birth defects in animal studies.
DuPont Argues No Harm
DuPont has maintained that PFOA has no negative health effects. Earlier this year, DuPont settled a class-action lawsuit over the issue for $107.6 million.
In addition to the civil suit DuPont has just settled, there is an ongoing criminal investigation of its actions regarding PFOA pollution.
