Du Pont to Expand Peroxide Capacity

Du Pont Co. will spend $106 million over the next three years to build and expand hydrogen peroxide facilities to capitalize on increased demand for the nontoxic alternative to chlorine.

Chlorine, used in industry as a whitener, produces two toxic by-products--dioxin, which causes cancer, and chloroform gas.

By contrast, hydrogen peroxide breaks down into water and oxygen.

Du Pont will increase its peroxide-producing capacity by 76% the next two years, expanding plants in Ontario and Memphis, Tenn.