Hamilton Spectator, Eric McGuinness
Published February 2, 2006
A University of Toronto researcher believes the latest cancer-threat chemical -- used to make non-stick pans, stainproof carpets and waterproof clothing -- can be reined in before it becomes a widespread risk to human health.
The perfluorooctanoic acid or PFOA family of perfluorochemicals (PFCs) underpins such world famous brands as Teflon, Stainmaster and Gore-Tex.
It's also used in microwave popcorn bags, pizza boxes, paint, and windshield washer fluid. A PFC used in Scotchgard was ordered off the market in the late 1990s.
The Environmental Working Group, an American watchdog organization, says "a flood of disturbing scientific findings since the late '90s has abruptly elevated PFOA to the rogues' gallery of highly toxic, extraordinarily persistent chemicals that pervasively contaminate human blood and wildlife the world over.
"As more stories pour in, PFCs seem destined to supplant DDT, PCBs, dioxin and other chemicals as the most notorious global chemical contaminants ever produced. Government scientists are especially concerned because unlike any other toxic chemicals, the most pervasive and toxic members of the PFC family never degrade in the environment."
The group also notes non-stick pans subjected to high heat release vapour that's toxic to birds.
While PFOA is used to make non-stick materials, it is not supposed to be in the finished products, but Scott Mabury, chemistry department chair at U of T, said he and fellow researchers have evidence to support a theory that small amounts of fluorotelomer alcohols do remain, then break down and release PFOA into the air.
"Industry used to say, 'We have zero residuals,' but we have data to show the end product is not pure and that residuals are important."
Mabury said estimates of PFOA resulting from residual alcohols, "matches almost perfectly," the levels measured in air. If his findings are confirmed and accepted, he said: "It means we can turn off the tap by removing residuals. The problem may be solved before most people realize there is a problem.
"People like stain-protected carpets, fabrics and paper products. These materials should be able to be used in the future, if done properly."
Low levels of the almost indestructible substance have already been found in the blood of 95 per cent of Americans tested. Scientists at Environment Canada's National Water Research Institute in Burlington also report it in the blood of Great Lakes birds and Arctic polar bears.
An independent scientific panel advising the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has just issued its final draft report on PFOA, saying it should be considered a likely cause of cancer in humans. The Science Advisory Board went further than EPA staff, who felt evidence of birth defects and cancer in animals only suggested PFOA might be a human carcinogen.
Until now, the EPA has said it, "does not believe there is any reason for consumers to stop using any consumer or industrial-related products," made with PFOA.
Dupont, the only North American manufacturer of PFOA, disputes the EPA advisory board's conclusion, but agreed last week to an EPA request to eliminate 95 per cent of PFOA releases from its factories by 2010. Dupont and seven other companies also agreed to reduce 95 per cent of residual PFOA in consumer products by 2010 and to virtually eliminate it by 2015. Environment Canada, which banned import of four new PFCs a year ago, also wants industry to reduce releases and eliminate residual PFOA, but has no immediate plans for formal action.
Mabury praises federal action on the issue, saying: "Environment Canada is frankly in front of every other regulator.
"It banned four chemicals coming into Canada a year ago and will likely make that ban permanent. It's also dealing with residuals the way the EPA did."
