News Coverage
Is Often-Used Chemical Affecting You?
Group Has Concerns About C-8
Published October 30, 2003
The water may be a source of recreation for some in Southeastern Ohio, but others don't want to drink it. They say it's a potential health risk.
"It's extremely persistent in the environment, and it's not known to break down at all," said Kris Thayer of Environmental Working Group. "It's very persistent in people. ... It lasts for years. ... And it's toxic to lab animals at low doses."
It's called perfluorooctanoic. It's also known as PFOA, or C-8. The Washington, D.C.- based Environmental Working Group and the EPA are concerned about the possible health effects C-8 might have on people exposed to it. DuPont makes C-8 and uses the chemical to make Teflon-coated surfaces, but says it's removed during processing. C-8 is also used to make food packaging, household products and even stain-resistant clothing and carpeting.
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