ABOUT

Smart discussion of the latest science and news on toxins in your food, water, and air, and what government agencies should be doing to protect public health. Enviroblog is a project of EWG Action Fund. (More. . .)

FEED

 Subscribe in a Reader

Subscribe by Email

An EWG podcast for environmental health news on the go.

TWITTER UPDATES

TIPS

Did we miss something? Email Amanda.

BLOGROLL

STAY CONNECTED

Get our monthly eNewsletter, action alerts, & environmental tips. [Privacy policy, About EWG]

Confirmed: New shower curtain smell is gross

House bill would ban BPA in food, beverage packaging

Chemical injections in Colorado

FEATURED

BPA in your body: How to minimize your exposure

Caution: These 7 household items may feminize baby boys

BPA in infant formula: This is not a call to panic

Cheatsheet: Bisphenol A

7 ways to reduce your exposure to PBDEs

Your BPA questions, answered

Ask EWG

What is "fragrance"?

Which infant formula is best?

Is there eco-friendly jewelry?

Are stainless steel water bottles safe?

Is mineral-based makeup safer?

SEARCH

ARCHIVE

select month June 2008 May 2008 April 2008 March 2008 February 2008 January 2008 December 2007 November 2007 October 2007 September 2007 August 2007 July 2007 June 2007 May 2007 April 2007 March 2007 February 2007 January 2007 December 2006 November 2006 October 2006 September 2006 August 2006 July 2006 June 2006 May 2006 April 2006 March 2006 February 2006 January 2006 December 2005 November 2005 October 2005 September 2005 August 2005 July 2005 June 2005 May 2005 April 2005 March 2005 February 2005 January 2005 December 2004 November 2004 October 2004 September 2004 August 2004 July 2004 June 2004 May 2004 April 2004

« NY Newsday, FL Times Union document diverse asbestos problems | Main | Talks on Asbestos Bill End »

May 7, 2004

Study Links Teflon Chemical to Higher Cancer Rates

According to a May 5 Charleston Gazette story, a new study presented at a meeting of the Society of Environmental Toxicologists and Chemists, or SETAC, links the Teflon chemical C8 [also known as PFOA] to elevated cancer rates. Researchers found higher levels of prostate cancer in men and cervical and uterine cancer in women exposed to C8 than in the general population.

Americans have used and trusted the brand name Teflon for about fifty years, but the federal government has little data to support that trust. Teflon cookware was approved for use in the early 1960s with data from just one study. Since that time, scientists from government, industry and universities have compiled stacks of research linking C8 to reproductive damage, cancer, and other adverse health effects.

These chemicals build up in the environment and do not break down, and they appear to cause many types of harm in laboratory animals. Teflon chemicals are not just in your kitchen, either. Lots of surfaces are treated to resist spills or stains - carpets, fast-food packaging, clothing, cars, and more: all of these convenient products are likely making use of Teflon chemicals. They are found in more than consumer products, though -- C8 and similar chemicals are now in over 90% of Americans' blood as well.


• Read the Charleston Gazette story
• EWG's work on Teflon chemicals and the EPA's investigation of C8

« NY Newsday, FL Times Union document diverse asbestos problems |