"Toxic" Teflon chemical pervades human blood stream

A CHEMICAL used to make the Teflon coating for pots and pans, and which may cause cancer, is in the blood streams of humans on four continents, the Environmental Working Group has claimed.

The study, which can be found here, says that the chemical never breaks down in the environment and has been shown to cause cancer in laboratory animals.

Last month, the US government's Environmental Protection Agency issued a notice against DuPont to give the firm, which owns the Teflon brand a chance to respond.

DuPont faces hefty fines. It's estimated that the chemical, PFOA, is present in 90% of US citizens' blood streams.

The reports have already prompted the Chinese and South Korean governments to investigate how much of the chemical is in the blood streams of their citizens.

Last month, the EWG also asked major manufacturers of fast food to disclose whether the same chemical was used in their packaging. It sent letters to McDonalds, Krispy Kreme, Wendys, Starbucks, Subway, Pizza Hut, Taco Bell, KCF and Burger King asking for clarification. µ