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Grand Jury Probes Chemical Used in Teflon

May 19, 2005
DuPont has received a subpoena seeking information on a chemical used to make Teflon. The subpoena was served by the Environmental Crimes Section of the Environment and Natural Resources Division of the U.S. Department of Justice, reportedly as part of a grand jury investigation.

Teflon • Teflon Chemicals Found In Human Breast Milk • DuPont Hopes Teflon Charges Don't Stick • Study Finds Teflon Chemical In Newborns' Umbilical Cords • DuPont Agrees To Teflon Pollution Curbs • Whistleblower Claims DuPont Failed to Act on Food Contamination Danger • Claims Against Teflon May Not Stick • Teflon Ingredient Found in North Carolina Groundwater • Grand Jury Probes Chemical Used in Teflon • Teflon Chemicals Found in Humans

The subpoena calls for the production of documents previously provided to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.

"Consistent with our core values, DuPont is committed to operate to the highest standards of ethical behavior and environmental responsibility," said Stacey Mobley, senior vice president, chief administrative officer and general counsel. "We will be fully responsive to the DOJ in this matter."

Earlier this year, the EPA said that exposure to low levels of PFOA could pose health risks but said further study would be needed to determine how serious the risk was. The agency said studies found residues of the chemical in human blood samples for as many as four years after exposure.

Another study found that when larger doses of PFOA were fed to rats, the rats were slower to mature sexually and quicker to die.

The EPA has claimed that DuPont has not shared lab results about PFOA while the company claims it has provided the information and that PFOA is harmless.

DuPont has agreed to pay more than $340 to settle class-action charges that it contaminated drinking water in West Virginia and Ohio with PFOA.

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