Scientists confirm safety of consumer articles with DuPont materials
Apr 22, 2005
A comprehensive scientific study confirms consumer articles made with or using DuPont materials are safe to use. The study was published by Environmental Science & Technology. The independent peer-reviewed study, sponsored by DuPont, concludes that the use of consumer articles with DuPont materials would not result in quantifiable exposure to perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA). DuPont initiated the study, conducted by Environ, an independent research firm, to better understand the potential for consumer exposure and to determine what risk there is, if any, from PFOA, also known as C-8. PFOA is used as a processing aid in the manufacture of fluoropolymers, some of which are sold under the DuPont(TM) Teflon brand. It may be found at very low trace levels in some fluorotelomers products, which are used primarily to provide stain resistance to a number of textile products and grease-resistance to paper packaging. Cookware coated with Teflon underwent rigorous scientific testing designed to see if any PFOA could be detected under exaggerated or extreme cooking conditions, and none was found, according to Dr. Jay Murray. In fact, even when cookware coated with Teflonwas abraded [scratched] with a knife, no PFOA was detected. Cookware coated with Teflon, along with other consumer articles that were tested, is safe and poses no health risks from PFOA. The results of this study are consistent with earlier studies by the China Academy of Inspection and Quarantine and the Danish Technological Institute that showed no exposure to PFOA from the use of non-stick cookware.
