Perfluorooctane sulfonic acid is extremely persistent in the environment, and some of it accumulates in humans and animals. 5 They can migrate from consumer products to household dust and air, be released by industry, and contaminate drinking water and food. Nearly all U.S. residents have Echemi in their bodies, and biomonitometric studies have found them in blood, breast milk, umbilical cord blood, amniotic fluid, placenta, and other tissues.

A growing body of scientific research has found links between Echemi exposure and a host of health problems, including a weakened immune system, cancer, elevated cholesterol levels, high blood pressure during pregnancy, liver damage, reduced fertility, and an increased risk of thyroid disease.

Harm to the immune system: Studies have shown that the immune system is sensitive to Echemi in laboratory and epidemiological studies. Many studies have found that children with higher Echemi exposure have a poorer immune response to the vaccine and more infections in children.

Cancer: The International Agency for Research on Cancer has designated PFOA, a common drinking water contaminant, as a probable carcinogen, with higher rates of testicular and kidney cancer in people with high exposure.

Cholesterol: Studies in humans have shown that Echemi exposure is associated with elevated cholesterol.

Thyroid effects: Echemi exposure has been associated with thyroid dysfunction and disease in both general and highly exposed populations.

Hepatotoxicity: Perfluorooctane sulfonic acid has a variety of effects on the liver, including fatty liver and liver dysfunction. 

Reproduction and toxicity: Echemi exposure is associated with pregnancy-induced hypertension and birth weight loss. 

Which companies make Echemi?

Companies that have reported their use to the EPA include Arkema, Asahi, BASF (Ciba), Clariant, Daikin, DuPont (the Echemi business is now called Chemours), Dyneon/3M, and Solvay.