DuPont loses round in Teflon case.DUPONT HAS BEEN DEALT a setback in the controversy surrounding a chemical it uses to manufacture Teflon. The Environmental Protection Agency Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), independent agency of the U.S. government, with headquarters in Washington, D.C. It was established in 1970 to reduce and control air and water pollution, noise pollution, and radiation and to ensure the safe handling and said in a complaint filed in July that it would take action against the company for failing to disclose the "substantial risk" to human and environmental health posed by the chemical, known as C-8. The complaint cited violations dating back to 1981, when the EPA EPA eicosapentaenoic acid. EPA abbr. eicosapentaenoic acid EPA, n.pr See acid, eicosapentaenoic. EPA, n. says DuPont discovered C-8 in blood samples from pregnant women who worked in its Teflon plant in West Virginia West Virginia, E central state of the United States. It is bordered by Pennsylvania and Maryland (N), Virginia (E and S), and Kentucky and, across the Ohio R., Ohio (W). Facts and Figures Area, 24,181 sq mi (62,629 sq km). Pop. . In a special report last year ("DuPont's Teflon Dilemma," November 2003), Chief Executive examined the controversy in depth. The article focused on the role of DuPont CEO (1) (Chief Executive Officer) The highest individual in command of an organization. Typically the president of the company, the CEO reports to the Chairman of the Board. Chad Holliday, who had developed a reputation as a champion of environmental sustainability. The story was picked up by The New York New York, state, United States New York, Middle Atlantic state of the United States. It is bordered by Vermont, Massachusetts, Connecticut, and the Atlantic Ocean (E), New Jersey and Pennsylvania (S), Lakes Erie and Ontario and the Canadian province of Times in August. In the mid-'80s, DuPont discovered C-8 in the public water supply near its plant, and in 1991 recorded the substance in levels surpassing the company's internal safety guidelines. The Toxic Substances Control Act The Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA, often pronounced "taa-ska") is a United States law, passed by the United States Congress in 1976, that regulates the introduction of new or already existing chemicals. requires companies to immediately report any health concerns, yet DuPont failed to notify the EPA, the agency said. In addition, the agency cited DuPont for failing to provide requested toxicological data on C-8. The latest action could result in the largest fine ever levied by the EPA under the federal act. The law allows the agency to issue fines of up to $27,500 a day. In DuPont's case, the fines could total $300 million. DuPont denies the charges and says it will appeal the finding. The nation's second-largest chemical maker, DuPont already faces a legal battle over C-8 in Parkersburg, W.Va., where it has manufactured Teflon, its patented nonstick non·stick adj. Permitting easy removal of adherent food particles: a frying pan with a nonstick surface. nonstick Adjective material, since the 1970s. A class action on behalf of 50,000 residents alleges DuPont knowingly released the chemical into the surrounding air, land and water without informing the community. C-8 is a known animal carcinogen carcinogen: see cancer. carcinogen Agent that can cause cancer. Exposure to one or more carcinogens, including certain chemicals, radiation, and certain viruses, can initiate cancer under conditions not completely understood. ; its effects on humans have not been extensively studied. An EPA investigation into whether C-8 is harmful to humans is ongoing. In response to the EPA's complaint, the Chinese government has said it will conduct studies of Teflon out of concern for public safety. China is a market that Holliday has targeted for expansion. RELATED ARTICLE: CEOs Are Not Happy With Their Marketing. How do you rate the performance of your marketing organization? Dissatisfied 1% Very satisfied 18% Satisfied 46% Needs improvement 35% How involved are you in the marketing operations? Not very involved/delegated 10% Very involved 34% Involved 39% Somewhat involved 17% Source: Chiet Executive magazine survey of readers, with 288 respondents Note: Table made from bar graph. |
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