The release yesterday of an EPA draft risk assessment on PFOA -- a toxic chemical contained in Teflon -- has been sharply criticized by a leading environmental group, which charges the agency has ignored its own science panel's guidance and industry research.
The Environmental Working Group (EWG) pointed out that last March the EPA's Scientific Advisory Panel directed EPA to consider that several types of cancer are relevant to humans when assessing PFOA. But according to EWG, the EPA ignored the science panel's instructions for its risk assessment.
"There's a big difference between sound science and tilted science, and at every turn in this important process, EPA officials favored DuPont," said Ken Cook, president of EWG. "We don’t know if DuPont lobbyists played a role or if these were just agency mistakes. But for those who were expecting a thorough and fair review, this is a huge disappointment."
EWG noted that 24 hours prior to EPA's risk assessment release, a study by Dupont was released showing no effects associated with Teflon. EWG added that EPA also ignored several studies showing a risk of heart attack and stroke, plus its own guidelines for defining cancer potential, which normally require a chemical be considered carcinogenic when only one of five criteria is met. Teflon meets three of the five criteria. [1]
In past studies of Teflon conducted by both DuPont, Teflon's maker, and by 3M, scientists have uncovered links to cancer, evidence of immune system suppression and risk of heart attack and stroke.
After a year-long investigation by EPA, hearings began last month over allegations that DuPont was suppressing the health effects of Teflon. [2] Teflon is present in the bloodstream of 95% of Americans. EPA is investigating how this could happen.
"Compared to where the agency started on this subject, it's hard to see how EPA's new direction will lead it to protect the public from this chemical," Cook said.
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SOURCES:
[1] EWG press release, Jan. 12, 2005.
[2] EWG statement, Dec. 17, 2004.
