The EPA ruled that exposure to a chemical used to make Teflon, commonly used as a coating for non-stick cookware, could put your health at risk. Even low levels of the chemical, perfluorooctanoic acid and its salts, known as PFOA, or C-8, were problematic.

Exposure to the chemical creates "a potential risk of developmental and other adverse effects," the EPA said in a draft risk assessment based on animal studies. The research on rats suggests that PFOA targets the liver, is present in breast milk of rats and may be carcinogenic.

The chemical's maker, DuPont, uses PFOA in many of its widely used products, including firefighting foam, phone cables, clothing and cookware.

A previous study, conducted by DuPont, found that employees exposed to PFOA had elevated levels of total cholesterol and fats called triglycerides, which might increase the likelihood of a heart attack or stroke. However, the company stated the study "did not indicate that PFOA was or was not the cause of the increases in serum cholesterol and triglycerides."

Nonetheless, DuPont has agreed to pay up to $343 million in a September 2004 class-action lawsuit involving residents around an Ohio Valley Teflon-producing plant. The residents say PFOA has contaminated private wells and water sources in the surrounding areas in Ohio and West Virginia.

In the report, the EPA raised concerns that the chemical could be present in human blood nationwide, and showed a potential for "developmental and other effects" in animal studies. DuPont acknowledges that the presence of PFOA in human blood raises questions, and says they are working to minimize people's exposure to PFOA, although, to date, no human health effects have been found.

The EPA said the report was not conclusive and would be sent to a science advisory board to help determine potential risks.

Seattle Post-Intelligencer  January 12 2005