About PFOA

PFOA stands for perfluorooctanoic acid, a chemical that is used as a processing aid to manufacture some fluoropolymers.

No. PFOA is a chemical.

Teflon® is a brand and registered trademark of DuPont. 

Some products branded Teflon® are made using PFOA, but the PFOA used is largely removed from the final product so that the potential for consumer exposure to PFOA is negligible.

For more information on Teflon®, please visit, www.teflon.com.

PFOA has been extensively studied in an occupational setting where potential exposure can be significantly higher than that of the general population.

Occupational exposure to PFOA has been associated with small increases in some lipids (e.g. cholesterol). These associations were also observed in a recent community study.  It is not known whether these are causal associations.   

Based on health and toxicological studies, DuPont believes the weight of evidence indicates that PFOA exposure does not pose a health risk to the general public. 

To date, there are no human health effects known to be caused by PFOA, although study of the chemical continues.

Consumer products made with DuPont materials that contain trace levels of PFOA are safe for their intended use.  Regulatory agencies have affirmed the safety of products with the following statement:

“Consumer products made with fluoropolymers include non-stick cookware, and breathable, all-weather clothing. These products are not PFOA, however. The information that EPA has available does not indicate that the routine use of household products poses a concern. At the present time, EPA does not believe there is any reason for consumers to stop using any products because of concerns about PFOA. EPA wants to emphasize that it does not have any indication that the public is being exposed to PFOA through the use of Teflon®-coated or other trademarked nonstick cookware.  Teflon® and other trademarked products are not PFOA.”      - http://www.epa.gov/oppt/pfoa/index.htm

Studies have shown very low levels of this compound in the environment and in the blood of the general population. Questions about this, as well as customer interest in product alternatives, are leading DuPont to phase out the use and production of PFOA by 2015 or earlier, if possible, and to develop new products and processes that are more environmentally sustainable. 

We are excited about our progress to meet our commitment to phase out the use of PFOA, and to develop and deliver new high-performance, environmentally sustainable products for our customers. Where possible, we will convert our products and processes in advance of 2015. For more information, please visit DuPont Progress Report on PFOA Phase Out (12/12/2008).