There is alot of talk lately about a chemical called PFOA, which is found in non-stick Teflon cookware, and in fast food paper packaging, such as pizza boxes.

A senator in California has made a proposal (SB1313) to phase out and ultimately completely ban PFOA by 2015. Why? Apparently this chemical (PFOA) which is found in many products we use regularly, is a potential carcinogen.

The dangers of PFOA came to the EPA’s attention in the ‘80s when a whistleblower from DuPont , the primary maker of PFOA, told the EPA that DuPont was aware of the chemical’s dangers, but was doing nothing about it. The company was fined $16.5 million — $10 million in penalties plus an additional $6 million to conduct research on alternative products. Prior to DuPont, the 3M Company was responsible for making the majority of products with PFOA.

The EPA has not conclusively ruled out that exposure to PFOA is un-healthy. But a former Dupont employee is supportive and championing the proposed ban and law, as he affirms that Dupont (the greatest producer of PFOA), has known about its dangers for many years. The employee is Glen Evers a scientist who worked at Dupont for 22 years.

Will Dupont cease to produce products with PFOA? Will the passing of (SB 1313) propel other states to ban PFOA as well? What will the EPA discover in its research? Does exposure to PFOA cause cancer?

Source: Green Right Now