OT/teflon/PFOA

[Guest guest]

I am sure that most of you heard about the government's over-due decision to get

companies to eliminate teflon from our products here over time. They have known

about this terrible hazard for a long time. Now virtually all of us here in the

states and many around the world have the chemical known as PFOA in our systems.

It is found in American babies who are still in the womb. And PFOA is known to

cause developmental and other adverse effects in animals. We get it not only

from teflon, but from substances that break down into PFOA. These chemicals are

in products that repel water and grease on clothes, food containers, prevents

stains on carpets and fabrics as well as keeps food from sticking to pots and

pans. I got rid of my teflon coated pans many years ago after I learned that

when they get hot they emit toxic gases that will kill your house birds like

parakeets. Reminded me of the canary in the mine. I use cast iron instead and

glass. Government site to learn more about PFOA is

http://www.epa.gov/opptintr/pfoa/ and you can put into your search engine PFOA

and pull up lots of information. Oh, yes, it is also in breathable all weather

clothing. Gore-tex! Ouch.

linda

Environmental Working Group http://www.ewg.org/

 

 

· Minimize packaged/fast food and microwave popcorn in your diet (wrappings are

often coated in PFCs for grease-resistance).

 

· Switch from Teflon pans to cast iron or stainless steel. Can't switch? Use

nonstick cookware on low heat and ventilate the kitchen.

 

· Choose not to buy clothing, carpets, and furniture with Gore-tex, Stainmaster,

Scotchgard, and other water/stain treatments.

 

http://www.epa.gov/opptintr/pfoa/pfoainfo.htm#exposed

Fluoropolymers impart valuable properties, including fire resistance and oil,

stain, grease, and water repellency. They are used to provide non-stick surfaces

on cookware and waterproof, breathable membranes for clothing. They are employed

in hundreds of other uses in almost all industry segments, including the

aerospace, automotive, building/construction, chemical processing, electrical

and electronics, semiconductor, and textile industries. Telomers are used as

surfactants and as surface treatment chemicals in many products, including fire

fighting foams; personal care and cleaning products; and oil, stain, grease, and

water repellent coatings on carpet, textiles, leather, and paper.