DuPont Responds to EPA Complaint, Denies Allegations
Company asserts it has complied with all laws and regulations with respect to PFOA; will vigorously defend its position

WILMINGTON, Del.,  July 08, 2004  —  DuPont today said that it will file a formal denial to a complaint issued by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) alleging that the company failed to comply with the technical reporting requirements of the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA) and the Resource Conservation Recovery Act (RCRA) regarding PFOA. PFOA is an essential processing aid used to produce fluoropolymers.

"DuPont has provided substantial information to EPA supporting our conclusion that we have followed the law," said DuPont General Counsel Stacey J. Mobley. "We will take action to respond to the Agency's complaint and will vigorously defend our position."

"This is not about the safety of our products," Mobley said. "It is about administrative reporting. Furthermore, we believe that a decision against DuPont in this matter would redefine TSCA and RCRA reporting requirements and would not prevail under the scrutiny of the courts."

Noting that EPA has not proposed a specific penalty at this time, the company said it will file a formal denial to the EPA complaint within 30 days.

DuPont asserts that there is no legal basis for the EPA's allegations. The company contends that it has fully complied with statutory reporting requirements and disputes any association between PFOA and harmful effects on human health or the environment.

In April 2003, when it announced its review of PFOA, the EPA stated that it does not believe there is any reason for consumers to stop using any consumer or industrial related products while its review is in progress. PFOA remains an unregulated compound.

"The evidence from over 50 years of experience and extensive scientific studies supports our conclusion that PFOA does not harm human health or the environment," Mobley said.

DuPont is a science company. Founded in 1802, DuPont puts science to work by solving problems and creating solutions that make people's lives better, safer and easier. Operating in more than 70 countries, the company offers a wide range of products and services to markets including agriculture, nutrition, electronics, communications, safety and protection, home and construction, transportation and apparel.

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07/08/04