 The
EPA ruled that exposure to a chemical used to make Teflon, commonly
used as a coating for non-stick cookware, could put your health at
risk. Even low levels of the chemical, perfluorooctanoic acid and
its salts, known as PFOA, or C-8, were problematic.
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
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