A chemical found in everyone’s home may contribute to heart disease. Perfluorooctanoic acid or PFOA is used as a stain repellent and fire retardant as well as a non-stick coating. You’ll find it in house dust, carpeting, clothing and upholstery. Most Americans have detectable levels of this nearly ubiquitous chemical in our bloodstreams.
Now scientists have found that higher levels of PFOA are associated with a greater likelihood of developing cardiovascular disease and peripheral artery disease. When arteries in the limbs get blocked with atherosclerosis or blood clots, the resulting peripheral artery disease can make it difficult to walk and may cause pain.
The researchers point out that PFOA was previously considered inert and that this association does not mean that PFOA causes cardiovascular complications. They recommend further study to confirm these results. In the meantime, it makes sense to check labels and choose products without PFOA if there is a choice.
[Archives of Internal Medicine, online Sept.. 3, 2012]
The People's Perspective on Medicine