EPA Reports 100% Commitment to PFOA Cutbacks &

            
The Environmental Protection Agency said yesterday it received 100% commitment to its Global Stewardship Program that will reduce perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) in the environment. In an industry release, the Agency said the eight top makers of the chemical will voluntarily take action now to reduce PFOA releases and product-content levels. PFOA is a processing aid used in the manufacture of non-stick and stain-resistant products, such as Teflon. The Agency has previously said it considers PFOA a "likely" carcinogen, but stated yesterday that consumer use of Teflon and similar products does not mean they will be exposed to the chemical.  
The eight companies are: Arkema, Asahi, Ciba, Clariant, Daikin, DuPont, 3M/Dyneon, and Solvay Solexis.  They have agreed to reduce PFOA releases and levels in products 95% no later than 2010, and to work toward elimination of these sources of PFOA exposure by 2015. Companies are being asked to meet these commitments in both their U.S. and global operations.