Perfluorooctanoic Acid (PFOA)
The American Cancer Society describes PFOA as a man-made chemical used to make Teflon with “the potential to be a health concern because it can stay in the environment and in the human body for long periods of time.”
PFOA is considered “possibly carcinogenic to humans,” and the EPA has set a goal to reduce the amount of PFOA in food and drink by 95 percent since it was initially brought to public attention in 2006. PFOA is still found in the wrappers of some foods, including fast food, microwavable popcorn, and candy wrappers.