EPA Urges Teflon Chemical Ban

Chemical industry leaders have agreed to an EPA plan to phase out a chemical used to make Teflon, microwave popcorn bags, waterproof clothing, and many other products.

Judge Seals Documents in 3M Chemical Lawsuit

3M Co. is set to hand over a half-million documents in a lawsuit alleging groundwater contamination, but a judge has ruled they will be sealed to protect trade secrets.

DuPont Fined $16.5M by the EPA

Environmental Protection Agency officials said the settlement produced the largest administrative, non-court civil penalty in agency history, and would serve as a warning to industries that flout federal toxic substance control laws.

Minnesota Makes Splash in Water Industry

A deluge of acquisitions by Pentair, 3M, Ecolab and General Electric have made the state an emerging hub in a multibillion-dollar business.

State plan Angered 3M Official, MPCA Officials Tell Panel

A top 3M official objected strongly to a state proposal this year to study potential contamination of the Mississippi River near a company plant, but the research went forward anyway.

Two Testify 3M Tried to Avoid Tests

Two scientists at the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency told a state panel that a 3M Co. official tried to persuade the agency not to conduct a study of a controversial group of chemicals that don't break down in the environment.

The MPCA's Mission has gone Astray

The Minnesota Senate heard testimony from a scientist, that she was silenced and reprimanded when she tried to find the source of persistent chemicals contaminating drinking water in the east metro area.

Lawmakers looking into 3M Chemicals, Outrageous Allegations

Legislators criticized the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency for not aggressively investigating the environmental effects of chemicals formerly used by the 3M Co. to make nonstick cookware and stain-resistant fabrics.

Senate Panel Questions MPCA's handling of Chemical Risk

It was a question Don Kriens didn't want to answer. Not with the deputy commissioner of the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency and an assortment of upper-level managers sitting right behind him.

Teflon Safety Issue moves onto Front Burner

The question of whether Teflon cookware is safe has moved from Web site chatter to the courtroom. Recently, a class action lawsuit filed against DuPont in several states, including New York.