 Science News |
Alternative chemicals ease safety concerns about nonstick, repellent coatings |
| February 9th, 2010 |
| Amid concern about the potential toxic effects of the fluorochemicals used in nonstick cookware, water-repellent clothing, and other consumer products, manufacturers are using new versions of these chemicals that may be safer. That's the topic of the cover story in the current issue of Chemical & Engineering News (C&EN), ACS' weekly newsmagazine: "Fluorochemicals Go Short."
C&EN Senior Editor Stephen K. Ritter cites indications that long-chain compounds like perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS) and perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) can cause developmental problems, liver toxicity, and cancer in animals. Uncertainty exists over their health effects in people. Nevertheless, chemical companies are working with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to phase out PFOS and are in the process of phasing out PFOA. The companies are replacing these chemicals with shorter chain fluorochemicals that perform just as well but appear to be safer. Although these new ingredients are considered sound replacements, they may only be a temporary fix, pending development of a new generation of less toxic substitutes. After being surprised by the unexpected environmental persistence of PFOA and PFOS, EPA is taking extra caution with the replacements to avoid a similar problem in the future. "Fluorochemicals Go Short" Chemical & Engineering News Contact: Michael Woods Editor 202-872-6293 |
| This article is relevant to the following subject areas |
| •Chemistry •Health •Biology |
| Copy & Share this link http://www.sciguru.com/newsitem/1344/Alternative-chemicals-ease-safety-concerns-about-nonstick-repellent-coatings/ |
| SciGuru.com: "Science For All". Copyright Sciguru.com © All rights reserverd (2009-present). SciGuru.com is an online source for news and information in all areas of sciences. Copy and reproduction of the contents, in full or in part, may include citation to SciGuru.com or the relevant page in SciGuru.com. |
 |
 |
 |
 |
Related NewsAdverse Heart Effects of Rofecoxib May Have Been Identified Years EarlierChicago: Clinical trial data indicated an association between the anti-infl... Microbes Produce Fuels Directly from BiomassA collaboration led by researchers with the U.S. Department of Energy's Joi... Study reveals dangers of nicotine in third-hand smokeNicotine in third-hand smoke, the residue from tobacco smoke that clings to... Keeping food safe from farm to fork FoodScan 3000 from Israel is the only hand-held device that tests food samp... |
 |
 |
 |
Recent Science News
Spitzer Finds a Flavorful Mix of Asteroids
For swarming patterns: A model system for the group behavior of nanomachines
A single interaction affects the way a child trusts and seeks information, Queen's University study
Use the common cold virus to target and disrupt cancer cells?
Silicon oxide circuits break barrier: Nanocrystal conductors lead to massive robust 3-D storage
NASA's Global Hawk Drone Aircraft Flies Over Frank on the GRIP Hurricane Mission
NASA and ATK Successfully Test Five-Segment Solid Rocket Motor
Herschel Finds Water in a Cosmic Desert
New study investigates use of soy-rich diet for preventing chronic pain after breast cancer surgery
More News