DuPont Chemical Plants and Factories
Founded in 1802, DuPont Chemical has enjoyed more than two centuries of success in the manufacture of a variety of chemicals.
DuPont began as a manufacturer of explosives and in the early 20th century, the company turned its attention to the production of chemicals for markets that include agriculture, nutrition, electronics, communications, safety and protection, home and construction, transportation and apparel. There are currently 60,000 DuPont employees in 90 countries worldwide. Aside from its dozens of plants, the company also operates 75 research and development labs.
DuPont has enjoyed many notable firsts and many of its products are easily recognized by the average American. For example, the company developed Dacron, Orlon and Lycra in the 1950s, and Tyvex, Kevlar and Corian in the 1960s. These and other DuPont materials would be used abundantly in the U.S. Space Program, in law enforcement and in many American households.
The company is still headquartered in Wilmington, Delaware, where it was originally founded, but other U.S. sites include DuPont's largest plant in Richmond, Virginia, and others in Alabama, Texas and New York.
DuPont and the Environment
The operation of these plants without adequate regard for the environment has made DuPont the largest corporate producer of air pollution in the United States, according to a study by the University of Massachusetts (Amherst) and the Political Economy Research Institute. In addition, DuPont is the largest producer of ozone-depleting chlorofluorocarbons and is listed at the top of the Political Economy Research Institute's list of the Toxic 100 Corporations from 2009.
The emissions from DuPont's many chemical plants and the use of some DuPont products have largely affected the environment in a negative way. Families that live in the area of DuPont's plants often fear for their health, concerned about not only what is coming out of plant smokestacks but also what has leaked into their water and soil. Furthermore, the fear of fires and explosions is always present around chemical plants.
Dangers of DuPont Chemical Plants and Asbestos
DuPont has long had a disregard for the safety of its neighbors as well as the safety of its employees. Tens of thousands of individuals have worked for DuPont Chemical company over the last 200 years, and for much of that time, DuPont workers were exposed to a variety of toxins.
From approximately the 1930s until about 1980, asbestos was one of these dangerous toxins. Asbestos was used in chemical plants to insulate high-temperature equipment and machinery such as:
- Pipes
- Pumps
- Boilers
- Tanks
- Heat exchangers
- Ovens
- Furnaces
Asbestos was also found in clothing that was distributed to workers to protect them from burns and other injuries. However, instead of protecting the workers, asbestos-containing clothing made them sick. Employees were likely to inhale or ingest airborne fibers from worn or damaged asbestos. The fibers would then become imbedded in their lungs and, in some cases, cause tumors or asbestos-related diseases such as mesothelioma to develop later in life.
DuPont and Asbestos Litigation
It became quite evident that DuPont knew that asbestos was toxic when a representative of the company testified in a deposition that the company was well aware of the dangers of asbestos by the 1930s and the link to mesothelioma by the 1950s. The company representative, Ms. Judith Stadler, gave the statement in March 2010 in regards to an asbestos lawsuit filed in New Jersey.
Over the years, even before Ms. Stadler's statement was made known, sick employees suspected that asbestos might be the culprit, and many have since filed lawsuits against their former employer. Some lawsuits have been settled out-of-court and others have gone to trial. In February 2011, a Texas judge issued a verdict that would have a great impact on the company in regards to asbestos litigation. He granted a retrial in the case of a former DuPont worker who died of mesothelioma, despite the fact that a jury had voted in favor of the company in a 2008 trial.
Resources for Chemical Plant Workers
Not everyone who worked at DuPont will get sick, but anyone who was exposed to asbestos on the job does have the potential of developing mesothelioma, a rare but serious cancer caused by asbestos exposure. If you or a loved one was exposed to asbestos, it is essential to keep track of health concerns and make regular visits to a physician. X-rays and other imaging tests may be recommended to test for suspicious spots in the chest area, especially if symptoms of asbestos disease are present.
Mesothelioma is a difficult disease to fight, so obtaining a prompt diagnosis and quick treatment is essential. If you've already been diagnosed, you may want to learn more about the disease. Patients who wish to get a better understanding of their condition may benefit from literature that discusses general questions and answers about mesothelioma or cancer nutrition. They may also find comfort in inspirational caregiver and survivor stories. To request a complimentary copy of any of these support books, please fill out the form on this page.
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© 2012 The Mesothelioma Center |
Last Modified Thursday, February 9th, 2012 | Disclaimer | Privacy Policy |
The information provided by The Mesothelioma Center is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment.
Sponsored by a law firm concentrating in asbestos litigation, The Peterson Firm, LLP with offices at 1350 Connecticut Ave, NW, Fifth Floor, Washington DC 20036.
