Study examines carpet protector chemical in bodies of water

WASHINGTON — The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) recently funded a study published in Science of the Total Environment that looked at perfluorinated compounds (PFCs), an EPA-regulated chemical formerly used in carpet protectors among other products.

PFCs have received much attention for their lasting effects on the environment, as well as in humans with research linking PFCs to “decreased immune response to routine immunizations for children” and “cardiovascular disease and peripheral arterial disease.”

The study, “Perfluorinated compounds in fish from U.S. urban rivers and the Great Lakes”, concluded that PFC levels found in fish from these rivers and lakes “exceed human health protection thresholds,” and, therefore, may be a source of human exposure to the substance.  

There has been a voluntary phase out of PFCs by eight major U.S. companies through the PFOA Stewardship Program with a planned end to use of the chemicals by the end of 2015, according to the EPA.

EPA’s Significant New Rule under the Toxic Substances Control Act regulates import of products using this chemical, as well.

To read the published study, please click here.

For the EPA press release on the Significant New Rule, please click here.