DuPont in Court Over C-8 Chemical Exposure

DuPont is in court this week facing its first trial over perfluorooctanoic acid exposure.

Residents in West Virginia are suing the chemical giant, alleging that perfluorooctanoic acid, known as PFOA or C-8, leached into their drinking water from a nearby plant, Reuters reports. The residents say developed cancer after drinking water that had been contaminated by the toxic chemical.

DuPont’s performance chemicals spinoff, Chemours, will cover DuPont’s potential liability.

DuPont spokesman Daniel Turner told Reuters in a statement that the company has worked with regulators, employees and nearby residents to assess and address health and safety concerns related to C-8 and has phased out use of C-8 in recent years.