Teflon Chemicals Found in Humans

August 2, 2004
Chemicals used in Teflon and Scotchguard are showing up in the bloodstream of humans throughout the world, with higher levels in the United States and other highly developed nations, according to a new study.

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The chemicals -- perfluoronated compounds -- have been used for decades with very little government oversight. Scientists say they are surprised at the chemicals' pervasiveness in the environment, which they said raises concerns about their potential impact on public health.

Perfluoronated compounds have been found in the blood of virtually every person tested for them in the United States, including children as young as 2. The compounds have been linked to cancer, developmental problems, liver damage and other ailments in animals, though there is no general agreement about their effects on humans.

The Environmental Protection Agency has begun a major investigation and last month accused DuPont Co. of withholding more than 20 years of evidence that a perfluoronated compound used to make Teflon endangered its workers and the public.

Company memos show the compound was passed in 1981 from a pregnant employee to her fetus, but DuPont allegedly failed to report the information to the EPA as required under federal law. The company has denied the allegations.

EPA officials became concerned after 3M revealed that its studies found small amounts in people across the United States. Other 3M tests found the compounds in foods such as apples, bread, green beans and ground beef.

Scientists say they don't know how the compounds are being released into the environment. They speculate that as Teflon, Stainmaster, Scotchgard, Gore-Tex and similar products age, the compounds break down and enter the environment. Others think there are unreported releases of the chemicals into air and water.

Under EPA pressure to better control Scotchguard, 3M decided in May 2000 to stop making perfluoronated compounds. The chemicals still are synthesized by a handful of other companies, including DuPont, the maker of Teflon and Stainmaster products.

EPA stepped up its investigation last year because of concerns about potential links between the compounds and reproductive and developmental problems in young girls and women. Levels of the compounds in some children have been as high as those for chemical-plant workers and were close to levels that caused developmental problems in rats.

In the latest study, eleven researchers from 10 nations collaborated on the examination of perfluoronated compounds in human bloodstreams, published on the Internet by Environmental Science & Technology (subscription required) in advance of regular print publication. A division of the American Chemical Society, a national professional and scientific organization, publishes the bimonthly magazine.

The study analyzed blood from 473 samples from city and suburban residents on four continents. Levels of the most common compounds proved highest in the United States and Poland, and lowest in India.

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