Description

Perfluorinated chemicals (PFCs) are a family of fluorinated organic compounds that are manufactured to give coatings like Teflon® and Scotchgard® their nonstick and water- and stain-repellent qualities. These coatings are used on cookware, carpets, clothing, shoes, bedding, mattresses and upholstered furniture. PFCs have also been used in food wraps, sprays for leather and shoes , paints and cleaning products, shampoo, floor wax, dental floss and some cosmetics. (For a sampling of products, see Environmental Working Group’s webpage.) Heating Teflon can result in breakdown products that can be highly toxic, and some of the products are persistent in the environment.PFCs are also extremely persistent once they are released into the environment, accumulating in humans and wildlife. They can remain in human tissue for many years. Levels can also be higher in children than in adults in the general population because of their smaller bodies.

The EPA is concerned with PFCs and their potential for adverse impact if they accumulate in human tissue for long periods. The agency intends to take action under the Toxic Substances Control Act in 2012 if its studies indicate a need to develop rules regulating the chemical.In 2000, after reaching an agreement with EPA, 3M phased out production of Scotchgard products containing the PFC called perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS). (3M introduced new formulations of Scotchgard without PFOS in 2003.)

(OSF: http://www.ourstolenfuture.org/Commentary/News/2003/2003-0622-SJMN-scotchgardreturns.htm)

EPA is investigating a similar perfluorinated chemical, perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA, also known as C8), the active ingredient in Teflon nonstick coatings. Under the 2010/2015 PFOA Stewardship Program, the EPA is working with companies to eliminate these chemicals by 015.

EPA has also assessed fines against DuPont for hiding information and studies that linked potential health risks to its workers and communities surrounding its plants. (Washington Post)

Health Effects

Immediate Health Effects

If SWALLOWED, perfluorinated polymers is Not Available
If ABSORBED THROUGH SKIN, perfluorinated polymers is Not Available
If INHALED (SNIFFED OR BREATHED IN), perfluorinated polymers is Not Available

Longterm or Delayed Health Effects

This chemical is considered an Unclassifiable Carcinogen by the World Health Organization, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, or another agency.
Suspected Endocrine Disruptor = May interfere with, mimic or block hormones

Other

At extremely high temperatures, nonstick cookware may release fumes that can cause flu-like symptoms known as "polymer fume fever." These toxic fumes can kill pet birds.
There is some evidence PFOA causes cancer. In tests on animals, PFOA produced liver tumors. Tests on mice have shown that PFOA exposure also damages the immune system.
Suspected hormone disruptors. PFOS may suppresboth thyroid hormones. T3 and T4 (our stolen future)
Possibility of birth defects. Newborn rats prenatally exposed to PFOA had facial defects. Similar defects showed up in 2 of 5 babies born to DuPont plant employees in 1981.
Repeated exposure and incidences od plymes fume fever can result in permanent lung damage.

How Exposures Occur

Children may be exposed through normal use of PFC-coated products. In addition, nonstick pans heated at high temperatures may give off fumes. To avoid fumes, do not heat empty pans or use them in the oven.

Children can be exposed to stain-preventers when playing on a treated carpet or touching clothing that is treated.

Significant Statistics

An Environmental Working Group test showed that a Teflon® coated pan reached and exceeded temperatures at which the coating can break down and release toxic particles after two to five minutes on a conventional stovetop.

Houlihan, Jane, et al. EWG Finds Heated Teflon Pans can Turn Toxic Faster than DuPont Claims. Environmental Working Group. May 2003.

http://www.ewg.org/reports/toxicteflon.

PFOA never breaks down in the environment, so all of the PFOA released will always be around.

EPA Science Panel Says Teflon Chemical ‘Likely’ Cause of Cancer. Environmental Working Group. January 30, 2006.

http://www.ewg.org/release/epa-science-panel-says-teflon-chemical-likely-cause-cancer.

Solutions

How to detect perfluorinated polymers

Purchase cookware that does not have a Teflon coating. Use Olive, Canola or another healthy oil to coat pots and pans to prevent food from sticking. Avoid purchasing carpets or clothing with a Scotchguard finish. Using hardwood or tile for flooring instead of carpet will make the floor easy to clean without worrying about carpet stains.

How to minimize exposure to perfluorinated polymers

If you use a Teflon coated pan, avoid heating it up while it is empty. Do not use a nonstick pan over high heat.

Alternatives

Choose cast iron or copper cookware. Avoid stain resistant clothing and carpets, and choose hardwood or tile flooring instead.

For More information

Books, articles, factsheets and reports

"PFCs: Global Contaminents," Environmental Working Group, April 2003.

http://www.ewg.org/reports/pfcworld/

Other government agencies

U.S. Environmental Protection Agency

Office of Pollution Prevention and Toxics
Ariel Rios Building
1200 Pennsylvania Ave. NW
Washington DC 20460
202-260-1023
Indoor Air Quality Hotline: 800-438-4318
http://www.epa.gov/oppts

Nonprofit organizations

Environmental Working Group

1436 U Street NW, Suite 100
Washington, DC 20009
202-667-6982

http://www.ewg.org/issues/PFCs/index.php

Other websites

Our Stolen Future

http://www.ourstolenfuture.org

Environmental Science & Technology Online: Science News

http://pubs.acs.org/journals/esthag/index_science.html