Perfluorochemicals (PFCs) are a slippery, heat-stable and apparently biologically inert group of chemicals, which are used to manufacture furniture, non-stick pans, cosmetics, household cleaners, clothing (such as waterproof coats), and packaged food containers.

Once in the environment or human body, many PFCs break down into a chemical called Perfluorooctanoic Acid (PFOA). Studies have also found there appears to be no way by which PFOA and other PFCs can be broken down by the environment, which means whatever is present now is here to stay. Other studies have suggested that it can take the human body between 1 and 9 years to excrete half of one type of PFC (known as PFOS) from it. This means that even if they were banned today, levels of PFOA would continue to rise, which means levels in the human body would continue to rise as products containing PFCs are discarded and/or break down.

In 2001, a study by 3M company in the US reported finding PFOA in the blood of 598 children tested in 23 states and the District of Columbia. In other recent studies, scientists found PFOA in a vast majority of samples tested from 3000 US people. 15 different PFCs have been found in human blood - all for which they tested. 4 had higher levels in children than adults. Pilot studies have found PFOA in tap water, outdoor air, green beans, apples, bread, and ground beef from Toronto to Florida. 15 studies conducted since 1994 have found PFOA in fish, birds, land and marine animals, all over the world in 16 of 77 species, in 6 of 12 countries, of 3 of 4 continents where animals have been tested. 

So, apart from being a permanent feature in the environment, is there a health risk?

Studies are ongoing and therefore incomplete, but this is what is known so far ...
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has classified PFCs as carcinogenic to animals. PFOA is known to cause four types of cancer - testicular, liver, breast and prostate. In laboratory studies, it also causes Hypothyroidism. PFOA is also known to damage the immune system
In laboratory animals exposed to PFCs in the womb and into early adulthood, studies show organ weight changes (often a sign of toxicity and organ function damage), and decreased growth of the pituitary gland - the 'master' gland which controls many bodily processes, including growth, maternal care, reproduction and metabolism.

In another laboratory study involving rats with a level of 1ppm (part per million) PFOA in maternal blood, 7 of 60 male, and 6 of 60 female offspring died. No parental animals died, which suggests it is more toxic to the young than adults. Male offspring were emaciated, cold to the touch, and less active than the control group. Autopsies showed significant changes in the brain, liver, spleen, thymus, adrenal gland, kidney, prostate and testes. Both males and females also reached sexual maturity later.
PFOA, used in the manufacture of non-stick pans, including Teflon™, can offgas while being used on the stove top. If inhaled, it is lethal to birds, and can cause flu-like symptoms in humans. (See our article on Teflon™ for more information.)

Can you avoid exposure to PFCs?

PFCs cannot be totally avoided as they are in the air and water. However the following steps may reduce your exposure

• Phase out the use of non-stick cookware
• If buying furniture or carpet, don't take optional treatments for stain and dirt resistance
• Avoid buying clothing that carries the Telfon™ label, or has been treated with water, stain or dirt repellents
• Minimise use of packaged food or greasy fast foods, such as chip/french fry boxes, pizza boxes, and microwave popcorn bags (not a bad idea from a recycling point of view anyway!). The containers can be coated with PFCs to prevent the grease from soaking through the packaging
• Avoid cosmetics and personal care products which have ingredients that include in their name 'fluoro' or 'perfluoro'. These can include lotions, pressed powders, nail polish, and shaving cream