According to EPA, interim results
of voluntary efforts show success in the efforts of eight chemical
manufacturers to reduce use and emissions of long-chain perfluorinated chemicals (LCPFCs).
LCPFCs are toxic, persistent in the environment, and can accumulate in humans.
EPA reports that the companies have met the intermediate goal of the agency’s 2010/15
PFOA (perfluorooctanoic acid) stewardship program to reduce global emissions by
95% by 2010. EPA reports its ongoing
concern about LCPFCs being produced by companies that are not participating in
the program, and intends to take
action to address those concerns.