DuPont disputes allegation that PFOA is a “likely” carcinogen

Washington DC - DuPont Co. is disputing the finding of an independent scientific review panel that perfluorooctanoic acid, or PFOA, an essential processing aid in the manufacture of Teflon and other fluoropolymers, is a "likely" human carcinogen. The company has, however, "pledged its commitment to the 2010/15 PFOA Stewardship Program announced by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)"

"Rigorous, peer-reviewed studies have shown no human health effects associated with PFOA," DuPont said in a press release. "The weight of evidence indicates that PFOA exposure does not pose a health risk to the general public."

The panel, convened by the Environmental Protection Agency to review its draft report on PFOA, contradicted the EPA's conclusion that there was only "suggestive evidence" of the chemical being a cancer-causing agent.

In December 2005, DuPont agreed to pay $10.25 million to settle alleged PFOA-related violations of EPA rules. The following month, the EPA announced a global stewardship programme for PFOA users to reduce their use of the chemical 95 percent by 2010 and 100 percent by 2015.Late in January, DuPont said it was committed to meeting and exceeding these targets, through four key programmes:

• Reducing global emissions from manufacturing facilities by 98 percent by 2007. This incorporates the substantial achievement of 94 percent reduction already realized through DuPont's ongoing reduction program;
• Establishing emission caps for U.S. facilities to limit the absolute number of pounds emitted;
• Implementing product caps for PFOA in fluoropolymer dispersions; and,
• Reducing PFOA content and any residual impurities in fluorotelomer products that could break down to PFOA.

From Rubber & Plastics News (A Crain publication)

Press release from DuPont disputing claims of carcinogenicity

Press release from DuPont committing to PFOA reduction programme