PFOA

Replacement Chemicals
PFOA -- polyfluoroalkyl
substances (PFAS), such as
perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS),
perfluorobutane sulfonate (PFBS),
and “GenX” chemicals.
GenX and PFBS
GenX is associated with harmful effects on the
kidney, blood, immune system, liver and
development.
Although EPA’s proposed reference dose for PFBS
suggests it is not as toxic as PFOA, PFOS, PFNA,
PFHxS and GenX, the EPA still found that PFBS is
associated with harmful effects on the thyroid
and kidney, reproduction and development.
Pans - Claims - Alternatives
"While PFOA was used in the past in the US in
making Teflon, it is not present (or is present in
extremely small amounts) in Teflon-coated
products."
"Cheap cooking pans are usually a false economy
and it’s better to invest in as good quality tools
as your budget allows and they can last you for
decades."
"Ceramic coated pans are one of the best replacements to
Teflon as they can be treated in the same way and are free
of toxins.Ceramic cookware is environmentally friendly
and the technology has come along way in recent years to
make thick non stick ceramic coatings that are strong,
long lasting and durable. Always choose a brand that
clearly states it’s toxic free and environmentally
friendly.Using oil on a ceramic pan will lessen its life, but as
its non-stick there is no need to use any oil."

However, I read this article that says ceramic is also coated with PFOA. Other
Nordic Ware
They state, "Our bakeware coatings are and have
always been PTFE and PFOA-free, … We are able to
state that PFOA is not present in any of the
coating formulations that we currently use on
consumer cookware products. PTFE (an entirely
different compound than PFOA) is the material
that gives nonstick surfaces their “slipperiness”
and is widely used in consumer cookware
coatings"
PTFE
My research though, revealed that PTFE is also
harmful. In 2003, there was a petition that cited
multiple cases of bird deaths due to fumes from
PTFE nonstick coatings along with two specific
incidents of polymer fume fever -- temporary flu
like symptoms -- in humans. However, DuPont
points out on its Web site, birds have delicate
respiratory systems that can be affected by any
fumes, not just those from nonstick cookware.
Other PFOA items
PFOA also comes from products designed to repel
soil, grease, and water, including carpet and
furniture treatments, food wraps, sprays for
leather, plastic boxes, pizza boxes and take-out
containers, shoes and other clothing, paints and
cleaning products - and from products like
shampoo and floor wax, where PFCs are used as
surfactants.
Clothing
People can also be exposed to PFOA
from ski wax or from fabrics and
carpeting that have been treated
to be stain resistant. Non-stick
cookware is not a significant
source of PFOA exposure.
Personal Care Products
According to the study, one or more PFAS
substances were identified in 17 products,
including hairspray and eyeliner. PFOA is not
added directly to cosmetics and that's why you
won't find it on the label. It's part of an
ingredient called PTFE, a cosmetic ingredient
used in anti-aging creams as a corrective filler
or smoother.Waterproof mascaras and eyeliners,
for example, are common makeup items that may
One simple way to identify these potentially
harmful ingredients is to look at your product
labels for the term “fluoro,” which may appear in
a longer name, such as perfluorononyl
dimethicone or perfluorodecalin, Andrews
explained. You should also look for PTFE.
If you do notice any of these ingredients, don’t
panic just yet. The study notes, “Absorption of
these chemicals through skin is not expected to
be a significant route of exposure.” However, it
also says that the absorption may increase if
applied around the eye area, where the skin is a
little thinner, and depending on the type of PFASs
in products, the absorption may vary.
Fast food wrappers
Americans love fast food, but the materials used to serve short-
order fare may contain harmful synthetic chemicals, a new
study has found. Previous research has shown these chemicals
can leach into food. Paper products used to serve fried chicken,
French fries, burritos, donuts, and other fast food contain
chemicals that resist heat and grease and have been linked to
diverse health risks, according to a study published in
Environmental Science & Technology Letters. The study did not
determine whether the chemicals leached into food samples, but
other studies have shown the chemicals are especially likely to
get into food if it’s hot and greasy.
Fast food isn’t the only source for these
chemicals. In a previous study, Notre Dame’s
Peaslee analyzed microwave popcorn bags sold in
Washington state and found PFASs in all 15 brands
tested. Since PFASs are likely to linger in butter
and steam, consumers should cook popcorn the
old-fashioned way: on the stove or in a hot-air
popper, Peaslee says.
Exposure
From these documents we know that tons of PFOA have
been released annually as air and water pollution from
DuPont and 3M plants in West Virginia, North Carolina,
Minnesota and Alabama; and from carpet, clothing, and
paper industries in Georgia, North Carolina, and other
places. In 1999 alone, DuPont released over 40 tons (86,806
pounds) of PFOA into the air and the Ohio River from its
Washington Works Teflon production facility in West
Virginia. So, how do we know that the fish we eat doesn't
come from the Ohio River?
All of these "exposures" are not a "significant
source of PFOA" but "Drinking water may be a
significant source of PFOA exposure to humans."
Thus, I have to find out about the drinking water
from the Consumer Confidence Report from the
local drinking water utility.
Suggestions
Avoid non-stick cookware, Gore-Tex fabric and
clothing and personal care products containing
PTFE or flouro ingredients.