Teflon, a waxy, white powder, has become a staple in household
kitchens everywhere. But this nonstick "treasure" may
do more harm than good.
Accidentally invented by a DuPont chemist more than 65 years ago,
Teflon has been raising some health concerns. A chemical used to
produce it, perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA), has been appearing in
people and animals worldwide. One study showed that in 23 states,
96 percent of the 598 children tested, had traces of the chemical
in their blood.
Scientists are conducting studies to answer one plaguing question:
"Is PFOA a risk to human health?"
Many studies have been conducted using animals, such as rats, to
discover the answer. The studies raised concerns regarding:
- Children's health and development
- Risks of liver, pancreatic, testicular and mammary gland tumors
- Altered thyroid hormone regulation
- Damage to the immune system
- Reproductive problems and birth defects
Scientists have also been collecting blood samples from people
who live near DuPont plants located in West Virginia, North Carolina,
Minnesota and Alabama. The team's goal is to analyze the samples
and discover if there is a link between PFOA, hormone levels and
liver function.
Where Does This Chemical Come From?
Some possible sources of origin include:
- Teflon manufacturing plants polluting the water and air
- Heating Teflon cookware to broiling temperatures and releasing
the chemical into the air
- Vacuuming stain-resistant carpets and emitting chemical infected
dust into the air
- Washing stain- or water-resistant clothing, sending chemical
coatings down the drain and into the environment
According to scientists, the biggest source of PFOA is not Teflon
manufacture, but telomers, which is a related family of chemicals.
Telomers are also made by DuPont and are used to produce grease-
and stain-repellent coatings for take-out food boxes, carpets and
clothing.
The Environment Protection Agency (EPA) has accused DuPont of withholding
health-related information about PFOA back in 1981, and could charge
them with more than $300 million in fines. DuPont has already agreed
to pay $108 million to settle a suit brought by residents near a
company plant concerning the detection of PFOA in the drinking water.
The company claims they have not broken any laws and have vastly
reduced emissions of PFOA.
A suggested solution to preventing PFOA from showing up inside
people is to simply stop making the chemical altogether. One toxicologist
said, "We're already to the point where it is in people and
getting near the point where there's significant risk."
Other well-known brand names containing PFOA include Stainmaster,
Scotchgard and SilverStone.
Seattle
Times October 1, 2004
Environmental Working Group October, 2004
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