The first round of blood tests that are part of a DuPont water contamination lawsuit settlement are set to begin Thursday in the Lubeck Public Service District area near Parkersburg.

About two dozen Parkersburg-area doctors attended a seminar Wednesday night to learn about the testing.

The test should take between 30 and 60 minutes, depending on a person's medical history.

Results should be in by late August.

More than 80,000 people who live in six water districts near DuPont's Washington Works plant along the Ohio River near Parkersburg or depend on private wells in that area are being asked to respond to health questionnaires and submit blood samples to determine the levels of C-8 in their systems.

The substance is used to produce the nonstick substance Teflon and a variety of other products from flooring to clothing.

Though used since World War II, C-8's long-term effects on humans are unknown.

DuPont agreed to pay for the health screenings in February to settle a 2001 class action lawsuit filed by residents who alleged the company intentionally withheld and misrepresented information concerning the nature and extent of the human health threat posed by C-8 in drinking water.