PFOA is a synthetic chemical compound belonging to the group of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS). It has been widely used in industries for its water-repellent properties, such as manufacturing non-stick cookware and waterproof fabrics.
Think of PFOA as an invisible shield that makes water slide right off surfaces like a duck's feathers. Just like ducks can stay dry even when swimming, products treated with PFOA are resistant to getting wet.
PFOS (perfluorooctanesulfonic acid): Similar to PFOA, PFOS is another type of PFAS commonly used in industrial applications.
Biomagnification: Biomagnification is the process by which concentrations of a substance, like PFOA, increase at higher levels of the food chain as organisms consume contaminated prey.
Water-repellent coatings: These are materials treated with substances like PFOA to make them resistant to water absorption or wetting.
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