Independent Panel Determines Teflon Chemical a Likely Carcinogen

By Laura Segnit

Published on February 06, 2006

The EPA had previously determined that there was only "suggestive evidence" that perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) and its salts were potential human carcinogens. It is not yet known how the agency will respond to the panel's finding.

DuPont, the only company in North America that produces PFOA, does not agree with the new report. The company believes that the chemical does not pose a cancer risk to the general public.

PFOA is used in the manufacturing of various products in addition to Teflon, including waterproof clothing, microwave popcorn bags, and grease-resistant food wrapping.

The EPA recently asked the chemical industry to focus on eliminating PFOA and related chemicals from products and the environment by 2015.

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