DuPont Pledges to Eliminate Toxic PFOA by 2015

In a strengthening of a previous commitment, DuPont has announced its intention to stop making or using the likely carcinogen perfluooctanoic acid, or PFOA, by 2015. Known as the “Teflon^® chemical,” PFOA is used to manufacture a variety of fluoropolymer products, including components used in roofing, solar panels, and wiring (see

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Vol. 15, No. 8). DuPont and several other fluoropolymer manufacturers had committed in March 2006, through a voluntary stewardship program with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), to “work toward” eliminating PFOA by 2015. Dan Turner, public affairs officer for DuPont, said that advances in DuPont’s manufacturing processes allowed it to strengthen its commitment, which was applauded by EPA as well as advocates like the Washington, D.C.-based Environmental Working Group.