Exposure to the chemical creates "a potential risk of developmental and other adverse effects," the EPA said in a draft risk assessment based on animal studies. The research on rats suggests that PFOA targets the liver, is present in breast milk of rats and may be carcinogenic.
The chemical's maker, DuPont, uses PFOA in many of its widely used products, including firefighting foam, phone cables, clothing and cookware.
A previous study, conducted by DuPont, found that employees exposed to PFOA had elevated levels of total cholesterol and fats called triglycerides, which might increase the likelihood of a heart attack or stroke. However, the company stated the study "did not indicate that PFOA was or was not the cause of the increases in serum cholesterol and triglycerides."
Nonetheless, DuPont has agreed to pay up to $343 million in a September 2004 class-action lawsuit involving residents around an Ohio Valley Teflon-producing plant. The residents say PFOA has contaminated private wells and water sources in the surrounding areas in Ohio and West Virginia.
In the report, the EPA raised concerns that the chemical could be present in human blood nationwide, and showed a potential for "developmental and other effects" in animal studies. DuPont acknowledges that the presence of PFOA in human blood raises questions, and says they are working to minimize people's exposure to PFOA, although, to date, no human health effects have been found.
The EPA said the report was not conclusive and would be sent to a science advisory board to help determine potential risks.
Seattle Post-Intelligencer January 12, 2005
I previously ran a news item detailing the dangers of using products coated with Teflon. Specifically, the article reported that PFOA has been appearing in people and animals worldwide -- one study even found that in 23 states, 96 percent of 598 children tested had traces of the chemical in their blood.
The EPA has since ruled, as the above article says, that even low-level exposure to PFOA could pose "a potential risk of developmental and other adverse effects" on human health. Even though this ruling is preliminary, it's significant because it could help determine if the government will finally regulate the use of this risky chemical.
The EPA has already fined DuPont some $300 million for failing to report its studies of the possible dangers linked to the Teflon-processing agent.
If you aren't yet convinced of the potential dangers of using Teflon cookware in your kitchen, I highly encourage you to read the story in this issue of a prominent health educator, Gary Craig, who linked his problem with frequent nighttime urination to his Teflon-coated frying pan. It's quite an amazing testimony.
For those of you who want to avoid these toxic chemicals altogether, and it certainly seems prudent to do so as much as possible, I recommend ceramic cookware or glassware. Ceramic is inert and will not transfer any metal ions to the food you cook or release toxic chemicals into the air. It is also incredibly easy to clean as even the toughest cooked-on foods can be easily removed after soaking it in water.
And, if you really want to reach higher levels of health, it is also important to use a stable oil like coconut oil whenever you cook (vegetable oils are easily damaged by the heat) and not overcook your food.
Cookware Material
Potential Hazards
Teflon
PFOA induced potential health hazards -- from your immune system to birthing activities
Aluminum
Is a reactive metal and suspected casual factor in Alzheimer's disease
Stainless steel
Potential likelihood of metal leaching into your food and allergen issues
Copper
Due to the possibility of copper caused discomfort, recommended to never have direct contact with your food
Teflon Chemicals are a Threat to Health Your Teflon Frying Pan May Be Causing Problems Warning: Teflon Can Cause Birth Defects & Infertility Teflon Finds Itself in Sticky Situation Do Environmental Chemicals Harm Humans? The Medical Denial of Environmental Illnesses
Teflon Chemicals are a Threat to Health
Your Teflon Frying Pan May Be Causing Problems
Warning: Teflon Can Cause Birth Defects & Infertility
Teflon Finds Itself in Sticky Situation
Do Environmental Chemicals Harm Humans?
The Medical Denial of Environmental Illnesses