Should Your Worry About PFOAs in Drinking Water?

“Teflon, Other Chemicals Receive Greater EPA Scrutiny,” By Michael McGrady.
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has instituted new health advisories for chemicals used in the manufacture of Teflon cookware, plastics, and fabrics. EPA’s action came in response to the discovery of traces of perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) being found in groundwater sources in New Hampshire, New York, and Vermont. EPA’s May 19 guidelines reduce the acceptable level of perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS) and PFOA in water supplies from 600 parts per trillion to 70 parts per trillion. According to EPA, this change will improve safety against the possible health effects caused by long-term exposure to the chemicals. The two compounds were commonly used in popular consumer products—including Teflon, fire-fighting foams, stain-resistant products, and for weather proofing—until they were voluntarily phased out of production in the United States between 2000 and 2002. Read more.