Perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS) and perfluorooctanoate acids (PFOA) are now found in human and animal blood around the globe, spurring a growing wave of scientific investigations.
These chemicals, which are used in stick- and stain-resistant products, have been found to reach children in the womb, and may be tied to "small decreases" in the size and weight of newborns, according to two studies by Johns Hopkins University.
PFOS and PFOA’s are used in or associated with production of literally thousands of consumer products, including:
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Non-stick cookware
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Carpets
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Food wrapping
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Clothing
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Electrical equipment
An EPA advisory panel has tentatively labeled PFOA as a “probable” cancer-causing agent. This does not change the position of DuPont – the global leader in the use and development of the materials – however, as their spokesman, Dan Turner, stated “There are no known health effects from PFOA, and this study does not change our position.”
Additional findings are still to come, as tens of thousands of West Virginia and Ohio residents are going through health screenings, as part of a class-action lawsuit against DuPont.
Environmental Science & Technology June, 2007; 41, (11), pp 3891–3897
Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health April 24, 2007
Organic Consumers Organization August 27, 2007