DuPont pays up

The chemical giant DuPont was found guilty of hiding important information for more than 20 years concerning a compound used to make Teflon (in non-stick cookware) which posed substantial threat to human health. They will pay us $16.5 million, the largest administrative fine imposed by the Environmental Protection Agency, to settle the charges against it.

Without admitting any guilt or liability, DuPont agreed to pay the fine including a us $10.25 million civil fine. The case alleged eight violations of federal laws that require companies to report the toxic dangers of chemicals they manufacture. Moreover, us $6.25 million is to be paid for two supplementary environmental projects, to be undertaken in connection with the settlement. These projects include funding a research programme and also some school programmes.