Common Stain Repellant Linked to Thyroid Disease

Recent studies done on stain-repelling chemicals have revealed startling and frightening results. It is a known fact that these chemicals contain perfluorooctanoic acid, or PFOA. However, it is now emerging that PFOA could have a direct link to thyroid disease. Thyroid disease is characterized by an under or over active thyroid and metabolic and immune system problems. The thyroid is a gland that produces various thyroid hormones. Researchers at the University of Exeter are looking at data gathered by the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, or NHANES. This data was gathered from around 4,000 adults from 1999 to 2006 where the blood levels of PFOA were checked. These levels of PFOA were compared to many types of diseases such as heart disease and diabetes but only thyroid disease stood out. Also, it was also noticed that thyroid disease was more prevalent in women.
PFOA is a perfluorochemical, or PFC which can be manufactured directly but can also be the byproduct of producing other chemicals. PFCs can be found in many items such paper and textile coatings, polishes and food packaging. However, there is not enough information to draw any clear conclusions about the effects of PFOA on thyroid health.
This article raises many ethical questions for the companies who produce any stain-repelling chemicals. As of now, there is not enough information to make any solid conclusions, but there could be many issues raised down the road if it is found out that PFOA does cause thyroid disorders.
Should companies put warnings stating the risk of thyroid disease even if it is not a proven fact?

-Graham

Works Cited
Ehrenberg, Rachel. "Common Stain Repellent Linked to Thyroid Disease." Science News. 22 01 2010. Science & Society, Web. 24 Jan 2010. .