PFCs They're Everywhere

Perfluorinated chemicals (PFCs) are a group of chemicals widely used in a range of consumer products such as nonstick coatings on cooking pans, and stain-repellent coatings on carpets and furniture. Two of the most well-known PFCs are perfluoro-octanesulphonic acid (PFOS) and perfluoro-octanoic acid (PFOA).

Studies on these chemicals show that they are extremely persistent and bioaccumulative and probably cause cancer, disrupt hormones, and harm reproduction and development. Many countries, including Canada, are working to phase out the use of these chemicals.

Consumers instantly recognize them as household miracles of modern chemistry — Teflon, Scotchgard, Stainmaster, Gore-Tex.

A flood of disturbing scientific findings since the late 1990s has abruptly elevated PFCs to the rogues gallery of highly toxic, extraordinarily persistent chemicals that pervasively contaminate human blood and wildlife the world over. As more studies pour in, PFCs seem destined to supplant DDT, PCBs, dioxin and other chemicals as the most notorious, global chemical contaminants ever produced. Government scientists are especially concerned because unlike any other toxic chemicals, the most pervasive and toxic members of the PFC family never degrade in the environment.