DuPont Pays Heavy Price For Teflon Cover-Up

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. San Francisco Chronicle November 29, 2005Washington Post November 30, 2005 Dr. Mercola's Comment:We do not know what the final settlement was. But the maximum the EPA could have fined them -- a number beyond the reach of all but a few of the wealthy people in the world, over$300 million -- is all pocket change to a large multi-national corporation like DuPont. Meanwhile, DuPont has been concealing test results for almost a quarter century, all time during which actions or precautions could have been taken. You will need to take the situation into your own hands. The first step is to toss out every pan in your house that has Teflon on it. The moment you heat the pan it starts to vaporize and this toxic chemical will go into your bloodstream. I know it is hard to believe, but it is true. It took me a few years to become convinced, but once you are aware of this truth you simply have no logical choice but to throw those pans out and never buy another one. Do not leave them in your home or you will be tempted to use them. Please believe me; I am absolutely convinced they are very dangerous and you should not be exchanging the convenience for the health damage. Just a reminder, Teflon coats not only non-stick cookware, but also the paper plates you use to eat meals and paper bags of microwave popcorn you thought were safe to eat for a snack.