C-8 General Information

Drug Litigation

C-8 General Information

What is C-8?

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 PFOA, or simply C-8 in reference to its molecular structure that includes eight (8) carbon (c) atoms.

Who made C-8?

C-8 was originally manufactured by the 3M Company. 3M Company sold C-8 to DuPont. Although on an annual basis it had been a multimillion dollar product for 3M for decades, 3M voluntarily decided to stop production of C-8 in May 2000 because of concerns about its toxic, bioretentive, and animal carcinogenic (cancer causing) properties. Since that time, DuPont has manufactured C-8 at its plant located in Fayetteville, North Carolina.

Where is C-8?

In its Teflon manufacturing process, DuPont discharged large quantities of C-8 as waste material into the air and water surrounding its Washington Works plant. Waste containing C-8 was disposed of in DuPont's Dry Run Landfill, its Letart Landfill, and discharged into the Ohio River. Detectible quantities of C-8 were found in two water districts located in West Virginia and four water districts located in Ohio. Numerous private wells in these vicinities were found to be contaminated with C-8 as well. Large quantities of C8 were also discharged into the atmosphere.

What is the problem with C-8?

C-8 is 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, such as breast cancer, bladder cancer, liver disease, and elevated cholesterol. It is also suspected to cause certain types of birth defects. In June of 2005, a United States Environmental Protection Agency Science Advisory Board announced a preliminary finding that C-8 is a likely carcinagen (cancer causing substance) in humans.

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