Perfluorooctanoic Acid (PFOA) Water contamination
Perfluorooctanoic Acid (PFOA) is a perfluorochemical that is used in the manufacturing of fluoropolymers and has been found as a byproduct in their production. PFCs, which include PFOA, are used to create products that are resistant to heat, oil, stains, grease, and water. Prior to 2002, PFOA was used in the production of polytetrafluoroethylene, but it is no longer necessary with the adoption of a new process. PFOA is persistent in the environment and has been detected in bodies of water and various land and water animals.
ScheduleHow does PFOA get into to human bodies?
PFOA can enter the human body through several routes of exposure, including ingestion, inhalation, and dermal absorption.
Ingestion of PFOA can occur when the chemical is present in contaminated food or water. PFOA has been found in trace amounts in a variety of food products, including meat, dairy products, and seafood. It can also be present in certain types of drinking water, particularly if the water is sourced from an area where PFOA is used or released into the environment.
Inhalation of PFOA can occur when the chemical is present in the air as a vapor or dust. This can happen if PFOA is released into the air as a result of industrial processes or if it is present in certain products that are used in the home, such as nonstick cookware or stain-resistant coatings.
Dermal absorption of PFOA can occur when the chemical comes into contact with the skin and is absorbed through the skin. This can happen if PFOA is present in products that are applied to the skin, such as certain types of cosmetics or personal care products. It can also occur if the skin comes into direct contact with PFOA, for example if a person handles products that contain the chemical.
What are the effect of PFOA on humans?
PFOA has been shown to have a number of harmful effects on the human body. Short-term exposure to high levels of PFOA can cause a range of symptoms, including flu-like symptoms, liver damage, and developmental effects in fetuses and breastfed infants. Long-term exposure to PFOA has also been linked to a number of serious health problems, including increased risk of certain types of cancer, such as testicular and kidney cancer.
PFOA has also been shown to have harmful effects on the environment. It is persistent in the environment, meaning it does not break down easily and can remain in the environment for long periods of time. PFOA has been found in the air, water, and soil in areas where it is used or released, and it can accumulate in the tissues of animals, including humans.
It is important to note that the specific effects of PFOA will depend on the level of exposure, as well as the duration of exposure. In general, the effects of PFOA are more severe at higher doses and with longer periods of exposure.
What are the levels of PFOA in the United states?
PFOA has been detected in the environment and in the blood of the general population in the United States. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the median blood concentration of PFOA in the general population of the United States is approximately 4.0 nanograms per milliliter (ng/mL). This level is considered to be low and is not believed to pose a significant health risk to the general population.
