http://biz.yahoo.com/prnews/050706/phw028.html?.v=17
July 6, 2005
DuPont press release
DuPont Shares New Human Health Research
on PFOA with EPA Science Advisory Board
WILMINGTON, Del., July 6 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- DuPont (NYSE:
DD - News) today shared new human health research data with the
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) Science Advisory
Board on PFOA during a scheduled teleconference. This new research
addresses some of the major uncertainties identified by the SAB
as it continues to consider its draft report to the EPA.
"Since humans, not laboratory animals, are the ultimate
target for the PFOA risk assessment, this is important new information
in the growing body of research on PFOA," said Dr. Robert
Rickard, DuPont chief toxicologist.
The research includes part of a two-phase employee health study
conducted by DuPont on PFOA exposure for more than 1,000 workers
at DuPont's Washington Works facility located near Parkersburg,
W.Va. Results from the first phase of this study indicate no association
between exposure to PFOA and most of the health parameters that
were measured.
"The only potentially relevant association observed in our
study results was a modest increase in some, but not all, cholesterol
fractions for some of our highest exposed workers," said
Sol E. Sax, M.D., DuPont chief medical officer. "Additional
research is investigating whether this association is caused by
PFOA exposure or is related to some other variable."The company
also provided the SAB with new information on the weak biological
activity of PFOA at the molecular level similar to the approach
used by pharmaceutical companies to study drug action. In a recent
study completed by researchers at Penn State University, five
mechanisms were examined. One protein, called PPAR alpha, was
identified as the most likely target for biological activity.
"The effect of PFOA on this protein is relatively weak compared
to synthetic drugs and is slightly less than that of naturally
occurring dietary fatty acids," said Dr. Jack Vanden Heuvel,
associate professor, Center for Molecular Toxicology and Carcinogenesis,
Penn State University. "In my opinion and that of many other
experts and colleagues in this area, weak activators of PPAR alpha
are generally thought not to pose a significant human cancer risk."
"Based on an evaluation of human health and toxicology studies
and molecular biology research, DuPont believes that the weight
of evidence indicates that PFOA exposure does not pose a risk
to the general public," said Dr. Rickard. "To date,
no human health effects are known to be caused by PFOA even in
workers who have significantly higher exposure levels than the
general population."
Consumers Using Products Sold Under the Teflon® Brand Are
Safe
Contrary to inaccurate reports linking products sold under the
DuPont(TM) Teflon® brand to PFOA exposure, consumers using
products such as cookware and clothing are not at risk from potential
exposure to PFOA.
In April DuPont announced the results of an independent peer-reviewed
study of consumer products produced either using PFOA or containing
trace amounts of the compound - many of which are sold under the
DuPont(TM) Teflon® brand. Using approved FDA testing methods,
the study determined conclusively that cookware with DuPont(TM)
Teflon® non-stick coatings did not contain PFOA.
"Consumers want to know whether they are at risk,"
Dr. Rickard said. "Since there is no significant potential
for exposure to PFOA from using these products, there is no risk
to consumers."
DuPont recognizes that the presence of PFOA in human blood raises
questions that should be addressed and continues to fully support
the EPA risk assessment process. DuPont is committed to objective
and transparent research and looks forward to sharing the results
of its studies as soon as available.
DuPont is a science company. Founded in 1802, DuPont puts science
to work by creating sustainable solutions essential to a better,
safer, healthier life for people everywhere. Operating in more
than 70 countries, DuPont offers a wide range of innovative products
and services for markets including agriculture, nutrition, electronics,
communications, safety and protection, home and construction,
transportation and apparel.
The DuPont Oval, DuPont(TM), The miracles of science(TM), and
Teflon® are registered trademarks or trademarks of DuPont
or its affiliates. everywhere. Operating in more than 70 countries,
DuPont offers a wide range of innovative products and services
for markets including agriculture, nutrition, electronics, communications,
safety and protection, home and construction, transportation and
apparel.
The DuPont Oval, DuPont(TM), The miracles of science(TM), and
Teflon® are registered trademarks or trademarks of DuPont
or its affiliates.
Source: DuPont