A new report released today reveals that there is no health risk related to soil samples taken near the DuPont DeLisle plant, DeLisle Elementary School and the surrounding community. 

Health claims made by the Sierra Club based on a previous study are wrong and irresponsible, according to Pat Nichols, DuPont DeLisle plant manager. 

"The low concentrations reported by Altamont/Subra simply do not pose a risk," said Dr. Mark Harris, a scientist with ChemRisk®, who specializes in toxicology and human health risk assessment.  Dr. Harris has more than 15 years of experience, is a recognized expert in the field, and has published more than 30 scientific peer reviewed papers on toxicological and environmental issues.

Dr. Harris' analysis of the Sierra Club data resulted in conclusions far different from their report.  His analysis concluded that materials studied are lower than the "background levels" than would be expected to occur in Mississippi soils, as determined by the EPA and U.S. Geological Survey. In addition, the levels reported are below applicable conservative health-based limits set by the federal government.

"When analyzed correctly, the Altamont/Subra data is actually quite helpful in confirming all of our evidence to date that shows no adverse environmental impact," said Pat Nichols, DuPont DeLisle plant manager.  "The conclusions reached in the Sierra Club study were not only wrong, they were irresponsible, and caused a lot of people to worry unnecessarily."

She went on to say, "If the Sierra Club or any other group had taken the time to look closely at the Altamont/Subra study, they would have found a number of major scientific flaws, as Dr. Harris has."

Some of the mistakes in the Altamont/Subra study were pointed out by Dr. Harris in his new report. They include:

• Comparison of total chromium levels to the wrong screening criteria
• Failure to consider applicable screening values for PCDD/Fs
• Failure to consider typical background concentrations of metals and PCDD/Fs when evaluating data.

The Altamont/Subra study has two major flaws.  First, the study failed to consider the "background levels" of substances that occur in soils.  Secondly, in some cases, they compared their results to the wrong limits, and made health claims as a result.

"This report, which completely contradicts the Sierra Club's findings, is one more piece of evidence supporting the environmental integrity of the DuPont DeLisle site," said Nichols. "I am so proud of our employees, experts in their specialty areas and members of this community.  They have done a fantastic job of recovery and ensuring environmental protection. They deserve to be recognized, not criticized." 

For an electronic copy of this press release, as well as the full text of Dr. Harris' analysis report on the Altamont/Subra study, visit:
http://www2.dupont.com/Media_Center/en_US/assets/downloads/pdf/review_Subra_Altamont.pdf .

ChemRisk® is a consulting firm providing state-of-the-art toxicology, industrial hygiene, epidemiology, and risk assessment services to organizations that confront public health, occupational health, and environmental challenges.  Professionals on the ChemRisk® team have a long-standing reputation for thorough scientific analysis and for sharing results in the peer-reviewed scientific literature. Many of the over 200 papers published by scientists in the firm are frequently referenced in both litigation and regulatory decision-making.  For more information about ChemRisk, visit www.chemrisk.com .

DuPont is a science company.  Founded in 1802, DuPont puts science to work by creating sustainable solutions essential to a better, safer, healthier life for people everywhere.  Operating in more than 70 countries, DuPont offers a wide range of innovative products and services for markets including agriculture, nutrition, electronics, communications, safety and protection, home and construction, transportation and apparel.

12/14/05