Weitz & Luxenberg Investigates Lawsuits After DuPont Admits it Hid Studies Showing Chemical Risk
New York, NY November 17, 2005 - Manhattan environmental toxic tort law firm Weitz & Luxenberg is preparing to help thousands of individuals who may have been harmed by Zonyl, a chemical related to Teflon, which can break down into a toxin called perfluorooctanoic acid. According to an article released by the Associated Press today, DuPont Co. withheld information in studies showing that Zonyl can rub off food liners designed to resist grease, like candy wrappers and microwave popcorn bags, and contaminate food.
Once ingested, Zonyl breaks down into perfluorooctanoic acid, or PFOA. The Environmental Protection Agency states, “Studies indicated that PFOA can cause developmental and other adverse effects in laboratory animals. PFOA also appears to remain in the human body for a long time.” (http://www.epa.gov/opptintr/pfoa/pfoainfo.htm#concerns) The EPA is now deciding whether to classify PFOA as a likely human carcinogen.
Glen Evers, a former DuPont employee and technical expert for 22 years, publicly raised his concerns about PFOA in a news conference at the office of the research and advocacy organization Environmental Working Group. Evers, who lost his job in 2002 due to what DuPont described as a company restructuring, said the chemicals in PFOA, “. . . are toxic. They get into human blood.” Evers also expressed concerns that PFOA could cause birth defects. Later this month, the EPA is scheduled to hold a hearing on the link between PFOA and birth defects.
Internal DuPont documents, available at EWA’s Website (www.ewa.org), show that in the mid-1960’s, the company and the FDA agreed to approve contamination levels of food wrapped in PFOA-treated packaging after a 90 day test, instead of the normal two year study period. A 1973 toxicological study showed the company was unable to find a safe level of PFOA exposure in lab animals, and that it was toxic to the kidneys, liver, and blood. In 1987, documents indicated that Zonyl contaminated food at three times the federal safety standard, yet DuPont did not recall the product, stop production, use alternative products, or disclose this information to the FDA.
In a statement, DuPont said, ''These products are safe for consumer use. FDA has approved these materials for consumer use since the late 1960s, and DuPont has always complied with all FDA regulations and standards regarding these products.'' Mr. Evers, the company said, ''had little if any direct involvement in PFOA issues while employed at DuPont. ... Evers expressed a wide range of personal opinions that are inaccurate, counter to FDA's findings, and which DuPont strongly disputes.''
Weitz & Luxenberg is now seeking to help thousands of Americans who may be suffering because of DuPont’s failure to disclose the toxic nature of Zonyl, Teflon, and PFOA. The firm strives to ensure that people suffering from birth defects, liver or kidney damage, some cancers, and other serious health problems have the information they need to make informed legal and medical decisions about DuPont and Zonyl. People whose health may have been damaged by exposure to PFOA may visit the firm’s corporate website at http://www.weitzlux.com to get more information about their legal rights.
Weitz & Luxenberg’s Environmental Toxic Tort practice represents individuals and municipalities in multiple litigations involving hazardous materials and pollutants including MTBE, arsenic, benzene, chromium, dioxin, lead paint, mercury, PAH, PCB, PCE/TCE, perchlorate, pesticides and herbicides, PVC plastic, radiation, soil gas vapor, toluene, and welding rods. Weitz & Luxenberg has built a reputation as one of the country’s foremost medical device law firms, helping thousands of patients receive significant financial compensation for their injuries.
People injured by Zonyl, Teflon, and PFOA can contact Weitz & Luxenberg via the form below
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see also:
W & L Teflon Press Release
Weitz & Luxenberg Investigates Lawsuits After DuPont Admits it Hid StudiesPress Release: 11/17/2005: Weitz & Luxenberg Investigates Lawsuits After DuPont Admits it Hid Studies
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