As DuPont Dumps New Chemical into Waterways, Local Health Issues Surface
When residents of the Wilmington and Fayetteville, North Carolina areas began suffering from increased rates of cancer, immune issues, and liver problems at dramatically escalating rates, doctors suspected DuPont, a large local chemical manufacturer, of involvement. DuPont had previously been dumping a toxic chemical nicknamed C8 into the waterways of the Cape Fear river system, and had only been stopped after a widespread, record-breaking $671 million class action suit was brought to court.
It seemed as if the DuPont corporation continued to dump highly pestilential, biologically synthesized materials into the waterways of North Carolina, under a new name: Gen X. Rather than develop either a less harmful version of C8 or refrain from dumping the chemical runoff into the public’s water table to limit the human side effects, DuPont simply shifted from C8 to GenX. Both C8, which is the nickname of Perfluorooctanoic acid or PFOA, and GenX, a related perfluorooctanoic compound, are used in the production of Teflon, the wonder chemical coating used to create non-stick pans, dirt-resistant clothing, water-resistant hiking gear, pipes, and various chemical containers.
Residents and scientists alike have struggled to understand the full scope of what long-term exposure to C8, GenX, and related chemicals can have on the human body, on the environment, and how long these materials will remain a danger. GenX was chosen to replace C8 because it biodegrades much more quickly. GenX has a half-life of 30 days, while C8’s half-life was 36 times that, 3 years. However, a smaller half-life does not prevent either product from building up in the bodies of local residents and causing long-term damage or even death.
GenX has been tested as present in the water systems of North Carolina at 631 parts per trillion. A quarter of a million people get their daily drinking, bathing, and household water from this contaminated source. While C8 and GenX are not legally limited by the EPA, it has published drinking level recommendations: 70 parts per trillion. Other states have their own regulations; New Jersey scientists are advocating a limit of 14 parts per trillion. While lawmakers and scientists deliberate on what the “acceptable” levels of exposure are, residents suffer the daily consequences with health problems in present, and reproductive issues that could impact future generations as well. How many lawsuits will it take to make DuPont change its ways and stop using the residents of the United States as a garbage disposal site?
At McGowan, Hood, Felder & Phillips, LLC, our South Carolina product liability attorneys have the knowledge and skills to successfully handle complicated environmental tort and consumer protection cases occurring across the country. We defend clients’ right to compensation after encounters with hazardous products in the environment. If you have been injured or become ill after coming into contact with C8 or GenX, call 1-803-327-7800 or fill out our contact form.
Randy is the former President of the South Carolina Association for Justice. He has been certified by the American Board of Professional Liability as a specialist in Medical Malpractice Law which is recognized by the South Carolina Bar. Randy has also been awarded the distinction of being a “Super Lawyer” 10 times in the last decade. He has over 25 years of experience helping injured people fight back against corporations, hospitals and wrong-doers.
Read more about S. Randall Hood