For those of you out there who advocate the liberal application of Scotchgard/Teflon products it might be worth checking out the link below.:eek: :eek:

http://www.chemicalindustryarchives.org/dirtysecrets/scotchgard/1.asp

Quote: "Consider 3M's Scotchgard coatings, surely one of America's best-known chemical industry brand names. It is universally recognized by consumers as the magical substance that repels water and stains from clothes, carpets and furniture. Hardly anyone knows Scotchgard has been used for years in the wrappings for an eye-opening list of packaged and fast foods.

Scotchgard ingredients belong to a large family of chemicals that degrade to form a chemical called PFOS, or perfluorooctane sulfonate. They are fluorocarbons, related to CFCs, which are now banned as ozone depleters. 3M has manufactured PFOS commercially since 1948, and in 2000 was expected to produce more than 10 million pounds of the compound for use in Scotchgard products.

It was unexpected, then, when on May 16, 2000, 3M announced with a vague, one-page press release that it would phase out of the PFOS market by the end of 2002 because of concerns over what the company said was new information--that the chemical had been "detected broadly at extremely low levels in the environment and in people." (view entire document) It looked like another environmentally responsible decision, and despite the estimated $200 million charge against 3M's bottom line and the loss of a profitable product line, the company's stock price actually rose in response to the announcement."

Ingredients have possibly changed, but it gives an interesting insight into chemical regulation.

Not sure I'm wanting to take the risk me-self. I'm not sure i'd be in the mood to to celebrate the pristine interior of my furby whilst lying on my death bed racked with cancer. Modifications to the ingredients or not.

:eek:

"Although research is still evolving, PFOS is known to damage the liver and to produce severe birth defects in lab animals, among other health effects."

Glad my can is stil in a box under the stairs!

Buy another make then. Scotchgard is a trademark of 3m industries, there are plenty of other manufacturers that make similar stuff these days.

....and crossing the road is dangerous too....and....... the list is endless.

Wonder what carcogenic chemicals are in the upholstery cleaners you'll need to clean the seats?

Seriously as Stu says. If youre worried dont buy it. I did buy it and I think its worth it

News just in .... Chatting to your mates at Skoda meets is bad for your health, especially if standing near the exhaust pipe with the engine running.

Come on guys ! Behave.

....and crossing the road is dangerous too....and....... the list is endless.

Of course. We all make choices about not running out in front of buses etc' date=' but at least they're informed choices.

I will defend to the death your right to roll about in as many carcinogens as you like and by the look of things, 3m appears to have modified the ingredients. But my issue here is about corporate responsibility and being [b']allowed[/b] to make informed choices without having the wool pulled over our eyes over a health risk that the company knew about for years but was only forced to act on after it was shamed into doing so.

Does any body want to join me in a campaign for the re-introduction of DDT or Thalidomide.

Diesel on your hands anyone ? Not exactly the best stuff to get onto your skin either - I can see the point being made but it's no surprise profits are put before safety in many a company, even if it's for a short/medium term...