PFOA is a chemical that has been used for many years in the manufacturing process for fluoropolymers. Fluoropolymers are used for their non-stick characteristics, as well as their heat and chemical resistance. In fluorotelomer products, such as fire fighting foams and repellents, PFOA is created as a byproduct at trace levels, but is not used in the manufacturing process itself.

Over the years, small amounts of PFOA have been detected in some drinking water. In general, the average concentration of PFOA in drinking water across the country is below the level of detection, less than 7.5 parts per trillion (ppt). Near a few manufacturing facilities, PFOA has been found in the low parts per billion (ppb) range. One part per billion is a tiny amount, comparable to a single second in 33 years. These levels have been decreasing steadily due to the active role of PFOA manufacturers.

Are these levels of PFOA in drinking water likely to pose any risk to health?

According to the very latest and comprehensive analysis of the available scientific information, concentrations of PFOA between one and seven parts per billion are safe, even over a lifetime of exposure.

This new scholarly scientific analysis was led by Dr. Robert G Tardiff, a toxicologist and risk analyst, and is published in the peer-reviewed journal, Food and Chemical Toxicology. This analysis relied on the most advanced and refined technology available to define safe levels of exposure to PFOA. It examined over 250 research studies, and relied on conservative methods to determine safe levels of PFOA in drinking water. The breadth and depth of the data and the use of the latest science provide confidence that these levels of lifetime exposure are safe for adults and children.

The scientific evidence about the safety of PFOA in drinking water indicates the following:

PFOA is safe for adults — Numerous epidemiological studies of PFOA exposures in the workplace and at home have found no significant adverse effects. Extensive PFOA studies in laboratory animals have helped determine that the levels of PFOA to which the general population is actually exposed are considerably below the thresholds for adverse effects.

PFOA is safe for children — This analysis has found no indication that children are more sensitive to PFOA than adults. Studies of humans and laboratory animals have found no indication that PFOA impairs human reproductive function.

PFOA is not known to cause cancer in humans — Numerous epidemiological studies have found that PFOA is not causally related to cancer in humans. Extensive PFOA studies in laboratory animals have found substantive evidence that the levels to which humans are exposed are well below the thresholds for cancer.

Copies of the full study are available upon request at: info@thesapphiregroup.com.