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Perfluorooctanoic Acid (PFOA) and Fluorinated Telomers |  |
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Perfluorooctanoic Acid (PFOA)In April 2003, EPA released a preliminary risk assessment for the chemical PFOA (perfluorooctanoic acid). The assessment focused on potential toxicity concerns with PFOA and information that the general U.S. population may be exposed to very low levels of the chemical. Significant data gaps were identified by the Agency, predominantly in the areas of exposure and exposure pathways. Current work by the Agency is focused on filling those data gaps and moving to complete a more robust risk assessment. A complete assessment will allow the Agency to determine if additional regulatory measures are necessary to mitigate any potential risks.What is PFOA? PFOA is perfluorooctanoic acid. It is a synthetic (man-made) chemical and does not occur naturally in the environment. The "PFOA" acronym is used to indicate not only perfluorooctanoic acid itself, but also its principal salts. The most commonly used chemical in this grouping is the ammonium salt, ammonium perfluorooctanoate, or APFO, which is sometimes called "C8." What is PFOA used for? PFOA is used as an essential processing aid in the manufacture of fluoropolymers. Fluoropolymers impart valuable properties, including fire resistance and oil, stain, grease, and water repellency. For example, they can be used to provide non-stick surfaces on cookware and protective finishes on clothing. They are employed in hundreds of uses in almost all industry segments, including the aerospace, automotive, building/construction, chemical processing, electrical and electronics, semiconductor, and textile industries. Although fluoropolymers are made using PFOA, the finished products themselves are not expected to contain PFOA. How are people exposed to PFOA? Current information indicates that the general U.S. population may be exposed to very low levels of PFOA, but the available scientific information cannot determine how people are being exposed. The limited geographic locations of fluorochemical plants making or using the chemical suggest that there may be additional sources of PFOA in the environment, and exposures beyond those attributable to direct releases from industrial facilities. The degradation of telomer chemicals may be one of these additional sources. But whether human exposures are due to PFOA in the air, the water, on dusts or sediments, in dietary sources, or through some combination of routes is currently unknown. Are there steps consumers could take to reduce exposures to PFOA? At present, there aren't any steps that EPA recommends that consumers take to reduce exposures to PFOA, because the sources of PFOA in the environment and the pathways by which people are exposed are not known. Given the considerable scientific uncertainties, EPA has not made a determination as to whether PFOA poses an unreasonable risk to the public. This determination will be better informed as new exposure data are factored into the risk assessment. EPA does not believe there is any reason for consumers to stop using any consumer or industrial related products. What are the next steps to evaluate PFOA? EPA has requested additional information that would help to reduce the uncertainties in its scientific risk assessment and improve the understanding of the presence of the chemical in the environment. EPA expects to submit a more comprehensive risk analysis incorporating some of this additional information to the Agency's Science Advisory Board for independent peer review and comment in Fall 2004. EPA also solicited interested parties to participate in the negotiation of enforceable consent agreements (ECAs) to produce additional data. These ECA negotiations are currently underway. Where can I find more information? All of the information on the PFOA ECA process is available in the EPA's online electronic docket at www.epa.gov/edocket/. Use the "Quick Search" feature to locate Docket No. OPPT-2003-0012. PFOA ECA negotiation meetings are open to the public, and information on those meetings is posted on this website.
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