# How Dupont Corporation Covered Up Years of Toxic C8 VIDEO - Link: https://greenlivingguy.com/2019/09/how-dupont-corporation-covered-up-years-of-toxic-c-8/ - Published: 2019-09-24T22:01:42-04:00 - Author: greenlivingguy DuPont Corporation is the issue folks! So in a HuffPost Highline investigation,  Mariah Blake takes a look in the 1940s. Especially at how back then, DuPont Corporation built the Washington Works Plant in Parkersburg, [West Virginia](https://greenlivingguy.com/2014/02/west-virginia-scientists-call-on-federal-agencies-to-stop-blocking-information-requests-on-chemical-spill/). It’s a facility that was to become one of the chief production sites of the revolutionary non-stick material Teflon. Almost immediately it became clear to DuPont Corporation officials that [C8](https://www.dispatch.com/news/20170213/dupont-to-pay-670-million-to-settle-c8-lawsuits?template=ampart), a soapy chemical that gives Teflon its nonstick quality, was toxic. Yes folks and even most importantly: deadly. For decades, DuPont engaged in an increasingly elaborate cover-up of the toxicity of C8. In that time, Parkersburg residents who drank the water and hunted the game around Washington Works started getting really, really sick. I’m talking  testicular cancer in teenagers, hive breakouts for shower water, and massive congenital deformities. All became nothing but commonplace. However the people of the town fought back. Because in September 2015, the first of more than 3,500 lawsuits claiming damages against DuPont Corporation for C8 poisoning began. So Reporter Mariah Blake went to Parkersburg to meet with many of the plaintiffs. All through this consequently she weaves a history of the C8 dumping by DuPont Corporation in Parkersburg. It’s the long and arduous journey through the courts, and the miles-deep indifference. In conclusion and in some cases complicity; of the environmental regulators we pay our taxes to fund. ![Wow, folks, this is a real eye-opener! As The Green Living Guy, I'm always on the lookout for stories that highlight the importance of environmental responsibility, and this one about DuPont Corporation's C8 cover-up is a doozy. Let me paint you a picture of what went down in Parkersburg, West Virginia. Back in the 1940s, DuPont set up shop with their Washington Works Plant, churning out that revolutionary non- stick material we all know as Teflon. Sounds great, right? Well, not so fast. Here's the kicker: DuPont knew from the get-go that C8, the chemical that gives Teflon its non-stick magic, was toxic. And I'm not talking about a little harmful – we're talking deadly. But instead of coming clean, they swept it under the rug for decades. The result? The good people of Parkersburg who were just living their lives, drinking the water, and enjoying the local wildlife started getting seriously sick. We're talking scary stuff here – testicular cancer in teenagers, bizarre hive breakouts from shower water, and major birth defects. It's like something out of a horror movie, but it was their reality. But here's where it gets inspiring. The folks in Parkersburg didn't take this lying down. They fought back! In September 2015, the first of over 3,500 lawsuits against DuPont for C8 poisoning hit the courts. Talk about David versus Goliath! Now, let's talk about the image I've got for you. It's a stark reminder of what corporate negligence can do to our environment. Picture this: a river that should be crystal clear, but instead, it's got this eerie, unnatural blue tint. Looming in the background are these imposing factory buildings, silent witnesses to the contamination. And right there on the shoreline, you've got warning signs screaming about water pollution. It's a visual gut-punch that really drives home the danger these communities faced. This story, folks, is why I do what I do. It's why I'm passionate about green living and why I keep pushing for corporate accountability and environmental protection. We can't let profit come before people and planet. So, what can we do? Stay informed, support local environmental initiatives, and don't be afraid to speak up when you see something fishy (and I don't mean in your local stream). Remember, every action counts, whether it's choosing eco-friendly products or supporting legislation for stricter environmental regulations. Let's keep fighting the good fight, green warriors. Our health, our communities, and our planet depend on it!](https://i0.wp.com/greenlivingguy.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/ 09/IMG_8731.png?resize=400%2C400&ssl=1) #### I wrote in another story about a book called Plastic: A Toxic Love Story: All Americans now carry traces of dozens of synthetic chemicals in their bodies. That’s including fire retardants, bactericides, pesticides, plasticizers and solvents. Also heavy metals, waterproofing agents, stain repellents, **_Teflon_** and other compounds. So even newborns harbor chemicals. On average 200, according to one study. In some cases thanks to DuPont Corporation! Finally, the full story **[here](https://web.archive.org/web/20151227091526/http://highline.huffingtonpost.com/articles/en/welcome-to-beautiful-parkersburg/?ncid=fcbklnkushpmg00000063):** In addition and accompanying the story are video shorts. All shot by Emily Kassie and starring the plaintiffs themselves. **[http://huff.to/1JApTyf](https://highline.huffingtonpost.com/articles/en/welcome-to-beautiful-parkersburg/)** Ken: [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qpzb9e-2sq4](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qpzb9e-2sq4) Bucky: [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fX_iisQ0vic](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fX_iisQ0vic) Source: [https://theintercept.com](https://theintercept.com) ![author avatar](https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/df91669667126e1290c21ee0342c386e2da19d588d4d9ca6560bd82ed59a9641? s=300&d=monsterid&r=g) greenlivingguy The Green Living Guy, Seth Leitman is an independent power producer, a green living expert, and Editor of the McGraw-Hill, TAB Green Guru Guides. Seth is also an Author, Radio Host, Reporter, Writer and an Environmental Consultant on green living. The Green Living Guy writes about green living, green lighting, the green guru guides and more. Seth's books range from: # Build Your Own Electric Vehicle by Bob Brant and Seth Leitman (2nd and 3rd editions) # Build Your Own Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle by Seth Leitman # Build Your Own Electric Motorcycle by Carl Vogel # Green Lighting by Seth Leitman, Brian Clark Howard and Bill Brinsky # Solar Power For Your Home by David Findley # Renewable Energies For Your Home by Russel Gehrke # Do-it-Yourself Home Energy Audits by David Findley # Build Your Own Small Wind Power System by Brian Clark Howard and Kevin Shea # and more green living books to follow. [See Full Bio](https://greenlivingguy.com/author/greenlivingguy/) [ ](https://greenlivingguy.com/author/greenlivingguy/)