Last year I read some interesting concerns about nanoparticles. Now there is concern about the possible danger of a substance we are all very familiar with, teflon. Teflon has been around so long, one would think we would know by now if it is safe.
EPA Probes Safety Of Key Chemical in Teflon
Majority of Advisory Panel Calls It a 'Likely' Carcinogen;
Changing French-Fry Cartons
January 31, 2006
The push by federal regulators last week to cut back on certain chemicals used to make nonstick, water-repellent and grease-resistant products could affect an array of consumer goods.
The Environmental Protection Agency is pressuring eight companies to reduce the presence of a group of chemicals that are used in the manufacture of such things as nonstick cookware, microwave popcorn bags, fast-food containers, carpeting, nail polish and stain-resistant clothing.
Yesterday, an EPA advisory group issued a statement, saying the majority of its members agree that the main chemical under review -- perfluorooctanoic acid, or PFOA -- is a "likely" cancer-causing agent. However the group, made up of outside experts, failed to agree unanimously on this likelihood and recommended further study. The findings come after a lengthy review of EPA data on the chemical, including studies linking it to cancer in rats, and indicating that PFOA is found in many people's blood.
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DuPont, of Wilmington, Del., is the only U.S. manufacturer of PFOA, and is also the maker of Teflon, the popular nonstick coating. Teflon and other so-called fluoropolymers are manufactured using PFOA and constitute a $1.5 billion industry in the U.S. In addition to cookware, DuPont says the Teflon brand is used in products with water and stain-resistant coatings, like windshield wipers, carpeting and nail polish.
And again more recently.
Panel Considers Risks Of Chemical in Teflon
February 16, 2006
DOVER, Del. -- A group of scientific advisers to the Environmental Protection Agency voted unanimously to approve a recommendation that a chemical used in the manufacture of Teflon and other nonstick and stain-resistant products should be considered a likely carcinogen.
The approval of the EPA's Science Advisory Board is conditioned on minor clarifications being made to a draft report, but no major changes will be made to the panel's findings. The revisions called for by the board include clarifying the scope of dissent among members of the advisory-board panel that reviewed the EPA's draft risk assessment of the chemical, perfluorooctanoic acid, which is also known as C-8.
Board members also agreed the report should clarify that the panel's findings shouldn't be considered the last word on the chemical but should be updated as additional data become available.
