PFOA re-classified under California Proposition 65
OEHHA intends to classify perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) as carcinogen under the Safe Drinking Water and Toxic Enforcement Act of 1986 (Proposition 65).
While PFOA is currently listed under the Proposition 65 due to its developmental toxicity, the OEHHA plans to list it as carcinogen as well. PFOA was used in the manufacture of various consumer goods, for example as coating material in the clothing industry or for cookware but also in many other products. OEHHA is requesting comments as to whether PFOA meets the criteria set forth in the Proposition 65 regulations by May 3, 2021.
PFOA was globally found to have severe consequences for human health and due to its persistence, it remains in the environment for prolonged times. The Stockholm convention on Persistent Organic Pollutants (POP) then triggered the ban on production and use of PFOA in several countries. The EU banned it in 2020 in the Commission Delegated Regulation (EU) 2020/784 amending the EU Persistent Organic Pollutants Regulation No. 2019/1021 and set the permissible concentrations to a maximum of 25 ppb.
Similarly, several Asian countries are gradually implementing bans on the compound. While Taiwan prohibited the substance in 2020, Japan is expected to tighten regulations of PFOA this year in mid-October.