The EPA is launching a global stewardship program to reduce perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) releases, inviting companies to reduce 95 percent of PFOA presence in products by no later than 2010, using the year 2000 as the baseline. Volunteers will also work toward eliminating sources of exposure within five years after that, but no later than 2015.

PFOA has made headlines several times over the last few years. The material has been measured across the country in groundwater and blood samples from humans and animals. Also known as C8 or ammonium perfluorooctanoate, PFOA is used in the manufacturing process of fluoropolymers, used to provide non-stick surfaces on cookware and waterproof, breathable membranes for clothing. The material can also be found as an impurity in the production of some products.

For more information on EPA actions concerning PFOA, or to read available commitment letters, visit: www.epa.gov/opptintr/pfoa/pfoastewardship.htm.