DuPont Dumped Tons of Toxic Sludge into Landfill, Lawsuits Reveal
7,100 Tons of PFOA Sludge Discharged into Dry Run Landfill
In a shocking revelation, documents obtained through lawsuits allege that chemical giant DuPont dumped vast amounts of toxic sludge into a landfill that eventually contaminated the environment. According to the documents, DuPont disposed of approximately 7,100 tons of PFOA (perfluorooctanoic acid) sludge into Dry Run Landfill in West Virginia by 1990.
Lawsuits Expose DuPont's Knowledge of Contamination
The lawsuits, filed by individuals claiming health problems due to PFOA exposure, allege that DuPont was aware that the Dry Run Landfill was prone to drainage. Despite this knowledge, the company continued to dispose of hazardous materials in the landfill, allegedly contaminating groundwater and the surrounding area.
DuPont Responds, Other Companies Targeted
In a statement, DuPont denied manufacturing PFOA or PFOS (perfluorooctanesulfonic acid), another harmful chemical found in the landfill. The company did not comment on the specific allegations regarding the dumping of PFOA sludge. CNN has reached out to the other companies named in the lawsuits for comment.
"Forever Chemicals" Pose Environmental Threat
PFOA and other PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances) are known as "forever chemicals" due to their persistence in the environment. They do not break down naturally and can accumulate in the human body, posing potential health risks.
Past Discharges Contaminate Water Sources
The lawsuits allege that PFAS discharged over the past 50 years have contaminated water sources, affecting communities across the country. The documents obtained through the lawsuits are expected to provide further insight into the extent of the contamination and the companies responsible.
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