The problem with MSDS is that the information published in these may be inaccurate or incomplete. As with this case only a limited scientific study was preformed and none with exposure by consumption.
Since the early 1950s, DuPont has utilized a chemical compound known as ammonium perfluorooctanoate in its manufacturing of Teflon at its Washington Works plant in Wood County, West Virginia. Ammonium perfluorooctanoate is also commonly referred to as C-8.
C-8 was manufactured by the 3M Company, and sold it to DuPont. In May 2000, 3M ceased production of C8, because of concerns about its toxic, bioretentive, and animal carcinogenic properties. Since that time, DuPont is now producing C-8 in its plant located in Fayetteville, North Carolina.
In its Teflon manufacturing process, DuPont has discharged large quantities of C-8 as waste material into the air and water surrounding its Washington Works plant. Much of this waste containing C-8 has been disposed of in DuPont's Dry Run Landfill, its Letart Landfill, and discharged into the Ohio River. Detectible quantities of C-8 have been found in two water districts located in West Virginia and four water districts located in Ohio, and numerous private wells in these vicinities has been found to be contaminated with C-8 as well. C-8 is proven to be a hazardous, toxic substance. It has been linked with an increased incidence of prostate cancer in studies performed for 3M and is believed to be associated with other medical maladies in humans, including, but not limited to, breast cancer, bladder cancer, liver disease, and it is also suspected to cause certain types of birth defects.
DuPont set guideline for employee exposure within the Washington Works plant exposure via inhalation. The exposure to the residence via the public and private water system is many times the greater, only now is some relevant testing being preformed.. DuPont is paying residence $400 for completing a medical survey and have a blood sample drawn.
One of the earlier cases against DuPont (Washington Works Facility)… A mysterious wasting disease killed 280 cattle on farm near the Dry Run Landfill in the 1980s. The cause of the cattle deaths were never conclusively associated with chemical contamination from DuPont, but the company settled with the family for an undisclosed amount in light of the allegations. It was also claimed that family members who worked with the herd and lived near the property also began to fall sick with sinus and respiratory problems and skin and other cancers. It has also been reported that in 1984, just after DuPont started utilizing the Dry Run Landfill, , there were no minnows in the stream and there were deer carcasses lying around. When the family asked their attorneys to look into the cause of the illnesses and pursue action against DuPont, C8 was found.
Vita sine litteris mors est.