sourceoflight
04-Apr-2010, 10:22 PM
by Dr. Mercola
Perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS) and perfluorooctanoate acids (PFOA) are now found in human and animal blood around the globe, spurring a growing wave of scientific investigations.
These chemicals, which are used in stick- and stain-resistant products, have been found to reach children in the womb, and may be tied to "small decreases" in the size and weight of newborns, according to two studies by Johns Hopkins University.
PFOS and PFOA’s are used in or associated with production of literally thousands of consumer products, including:
•Non-stick cookware
•Carpets
•Food wrapping
•Clothing
•Electrical equipment
An EPA advisory panel has tentatively labeled PFOA as a “probable” cancer-causing agent. This does not change the position of DuPont – the global leader in the use and development of the materials – however, as their spokesman, Dan Turner, stated “There are no known health effects from PFOA, and this study does not change our position.”
Additional findings are still to come, as tens of thousands of West Virginia and Ohio residents are going through health screenings, as part of a class-action lawsuit against DuPont.
More than a year after the FDA urged companies to ban the use of PFOA -- the chemical used in making Teflon -- reports of new toxic side effects keep cropping up.
Of course, DuPont experts defended their toxic product, noting that many chemicals were detected in the blood samples of infants, but they were small and well within normal ranges. If the study results prove to be true, what does that say about the normal ranges of PFOA exposure that make the birth weights of babies fall?
When Will it Be Banned?
The EPA has already urged companies to voluntarily ban their use of PFOA, and an independent scientific review panel advising the EPA took it even further, ruling Teflon and other non-stick and stain-resistant chemicals as "likely" carcinogens.
The panel's findings went beyond the EPA's current stance in two other major areas, stating that:
•Future risk assessments involving PFOA should include its contribution to various cancers (such as liver, pancreatic, testicular, and breast cancers)
•PFOA's effect on hormones as well as the immune and nervous systems must also be included in any risk assessment
Yet despite the current evidence, this material is still being used in thousands of products, which is why I keep trying to get the word out. Clearly, you, as the consumer, will have to ban it yourself, and simply quit buying these products.
How to Protect Yourself From Teflon Toxicity
Unfortunately, ridding yourself of PFOA-containing products is not as simple as just tossing out your Teflon-coated pots and pans. The containers of many of the useless, health-harming processed foods you see in the grocery store, ranging from candy bars to French fry boxes to microwave popcorn, are also lined with Teflon.
I urge you to take matters into your own hands by enacting a personal boycott on cookware and paper products tainted with PFOA. Step number one is to toss out every pan in your house that has Teflon on it.
Why?
Because the moment you heat the pan it begins to vaporize and this toxic chemical goes into your bloodstream. I know it is hard to believe, but it is true. It took me a few years to become convinced, but once you are, you have no logical choice but to throw those pans out and never buy another one.
Many have asked me about alternatives to Teflon. Some have pointed out a non-stick, ceramic-coated, titanium that is clearly not Teflon. The best alternative that I have found is ceramic cookware. It does not leech chemicals or metals into your food and is the cookware that I personally use in my kitchen. Glassware is also another healthy type of cookware that does not have the problems that many types have. Here is a quick summary of potentially hazardous types of cookware:
Cookware Material Potential Hazards
Teflon PFOA induced potential health hazards -- from your immune system to birthing activities
Aluminum Is a reactive metal and suspected casual factor in Alzheimer's disease
Stainless steel Potential likelihood of metal leaching into your food and allergen issues
Copper Due to the possibility of copper caused discomfort, recommended to never have direct contact with your food
For completely safe cooking, it’s also important to use a stable oil like coconut oil -- vegetable oils are easily damaged by the heat -- and do not overcook your food.
Other Safety Measures You Can do at Home
In addition to ridding yourself of the obvious cookware culprits, there are other simple steps you can take to avoid common toxic substances and protect your health, including:
•Store your food in glass containers whenever possible, as it is the most inert container you can use
•Only use natural cleaning products in your home. Most health food stores will have these available or you can search online for them
•Buy and eat organic foods whenever possible
•Avoid processed foods, and hence their PFOA-laden packaging
•Switch to natural brands of toiletries, including shampoo, toothpaste, antiperspirants, and cosmetics
Perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS) and perfluorooctanoate acids (PFOA) are now found in human and animal blood around the globe, spurring a growing wave of scientific investigations.
These chemicals, which are used in stick- and stain-resistant products, have been found to reach children in the womb, and may be tied to "small decreases" in the size and weight of newborns, according to two studies by Johns Hopkins University.
PFOS and PFOA’s are used in or associated with production of literally thousands of consumer products, including:
•Non-stick cookware
•Carpets
•Food wrapping
•Clothing
•Electrical equipment
An EPA advisory panel has tentatively labeled PFOA as a “probable” cancer-causing agent. This does not change the position of DuPont – the global leader in the use and development of the materials – however, as their spokesman, Dan Turner, stated “There are no known health effects from PFOA, and this study does not change our position.”
Additional findings are still to come, as tens of thousands of West Virginia and Ohio residents are going through health screenings, as part of a class-action lawsuit against DuPont.
More than a year after the FDA urged companies to ban the use of PFOA -- the chemical used in making Teflon -- reports of new toxic side effects keep cropping up.
Of course, DuPont experts defended their toxic product, noting that many chemicals were detected in the blood samples of infants, but they were small and well within normal ranges. If the study results prove to be true, what does that say about the normal ranges of PFOA exposure that make the birth weights of babies fall?
When Will it Be Banned?
The EPA has already urged companies to voluntarily ban their use of PFOA, and an independent scientific review panel advising the EPA took it even further, ruling Teflon and other non-stick and stain-resistant chemicals as "likely" carcinogens.
The panel's findings went beyond the EPA's current stance in two other major areas, stating that:
•Future risk assessments involving PFOA should include its contribution to various cancers (such as liver, pancreatic, testicular, and breast cancers)
•PFOA's effect on hormones as well as the immune and nervous systems must also be included in any risk assessment
Yet despite the current evidence, this material is still being used in thousands of products, which is why I keep trying to get the word out. Clearly, you, as the consumer, will have to ban it yourself, and simply quit buying these products.
How to Protect Yourself From Teflon Toxicity
Unfortunately, ridding yourself of PFOA-containing products is not as simple as just tossing out your Teflon-coated pots and pans. The containers of many of the useless, health-harming processed foods you see in the grocery store, ranging from candy bars to French fry boxes to microwave popcorn, are also lined with Teflon.
I urge you to take matters into your own hands by enacting a personal boycott on cookware and paper products tainted with PFOA. Step number one is to toss out every pan in your house that has Teflon on it.
Why?
Because the moment you heat the pan it begins to vaporize and this toxic chemical goes into your bloodstream. I know it is hard to believe, but it is true. It took me a few years to become convinced, but once you are, you have no logical choice but to throw those pans out and never buy another one.
Many have asked me about alternatives to Teflon. Some have pointed out a non-stick, ceramic-coated, titanium that is clearly not Teflon. The best alternative that I have found is ceramic cookware. It does not leech chemicals or metals into your food and is the cookware that I personally use in my kitchen. Glassware is also another healthy type of cookware that does not have the problems that many types have. Here is a quick summary of potentially hazardous types of cookware:
Cookware Material Potential Hazards
Teflon PFOA induced potential health hazards -- from your immune system to birthing activities
Aluminum Is a reactive metal and suspected casual factor in Alzheimer's disease
Stainless steel Potential likelihood of metal leaching into your food and allergen issues
Copper Due to the possibility of copper caused discomfort, recommended to never have direct contact with your food
For completely safe cooking, it’s also important to use a stable oil like coconut oil -- vegetable oils are easily damaged by the heat -- and do not overcook your food.
Other Safety Measures You Can do at Home
In addition to ridding yourself of the obvious cookware culprits, there are other simple steps you can take to avoid common toxic substances and protect your health, including:
•Store your food in glass containers whenever possible, as it is the most inert container you can use
•Only use natural cleaning products in your home. Most health food stores will have these available or you can search online for them
•Buy and eat organic foods whenever possible
•Avoid processed foods, and hence their PFOA-laden packaging
•Switch to natural brands of toiletries, including shampoo, toothpaste, antiperspirants, and cosmetics