22.07.2016 • NewsDede WillamspfoaC8

Dutch Probe DuPont’s Use of C8 at Dordrecht

(c) Angel Herrero de Frutos
(c) Angel Herrero de Frutos

A Dutch public prosecutor has launched an official investigation into the use of what it called “potentially dangerous chemicals” at two former DuPont chemical plants near Dordrecht. The investigation follows other probes by the country’s public health institute RIVM and its social affairs ministry into claims that the US chemical producer’s use of the substances C8 and DMAc has led to health problems locally.

When the research is completed, the authorities will decide whether to press charges. A spokesman for the prosecutor’s offer told a Dutch newspaper there is “hard evidence that criminal acts have been committed.” 

The public health institute of the Netherlands, RIVM, in spring that people living close to the plant were for years exposed to higher than permitted levels of perfluorooctanoic acid, (PFOA or C8), which has been identified as a possible carcinogen. RIVM said locals were exposed to higher than legally permissible amounts of the compound through the air but not water from 1970 to 2002, when production was phased out. The facilities are now owned by DuPont spin-off Chemours.

DuPont, which is preparing to merge with Dow Chemical, also is facing thousands of class action suits in the US related to PFOA. The second part of the Dutch investigation concerns exposure to DMAc, a solvent used in the making of DuPont’s Lycra synthetic fiber. A large proportion of the company’s production staff were young women, who reportedly have suffered from much higher than average fertility and related problems.

Interview

Specialty Chemicals in a Shifting World
Adapting to Tariffs and Strengthening Regional Networks

Specialty Chemicals in a Shifting World

Jennifer Abril, President & CEO of SOCMA, discusses the impact of new tariffs and the importance of regional supply networks in the specialty chemical industry.

Innovation Pitch

The Start-up Platform for Chemistry & Life Sciences
Discover Tomorrow’s Innovators

The Start-up Platform for Chemistry & Life Sciences

CHEManager Innovation Pitch supports innovation in the chemistry and life sciences start-up scene. The platform allows founders, young entrepreneurs, and start-ups to present their companies to the industry.

most read

Photo
21.03.2025 • News

What’s Next for Pharma Supply Chains?

Sudden shifts in demand, supply shortages and global collapse have put immense pressure on pharmaceutical logistics. To address these challenges, PHARMAP 2025 brings together industry experts to discover AI-driven supply chain optimisation, strategic logistics partnerships and digital solutions that enhance efficiency and resilience in the pharmaceutical supply chain.