What is the status of the Agencys on-going process to reduce the scientific uncertainties and to more fully understand the pathways of human exposure and potential risks from PFOA?
EPA identified the need to improve its understanding of the sources and pathways of exposure to PFOA in 2003 and initiated a process to develop needed new data on the issue. This new information will assist the Agency in determining if there are potential risks and what risk management steps may be appropriate. Specifically, EPA is working with industry and other stakeholders to obtain additional environmental monitoring information on PFOA, exposures resulting from incineration or loss from products as they are used over time, and telomer biodegradation as a potential source of PFOA. The Agency has finalized TSCA Section 4 ECAs and MOUs for exposure-related studies with industry in a public process involving a large number of interested parties, and is cooperating with industry and other stakeholders on additional voluntary research activities. In addition, EPA’s Office of Research and Development (ORD) has collaborated with the Office of Pollution Prevention and Toxics (OPPT) and is
