ABSTRACT
Perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) is a synthetic chemical that has been used in the manufacture of fluoropolymers since the 1950s [U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) 2009a] and may also result from the breakdown of a related group of chemicals called fluorinated telomers (U.S. EPA 2009b). Fluoropolymers are used in nonstick cookware and clothing made from waterproof, breathable fabric (U.S. EPA 2009b).
