Now that the election is over, it’s time to hold Biden accountable.
Let’s talk about Biden’s pick for an EPA review team, Michael McCabe. McCabe has been in environmental politics for some time, but most notably, he consulted for and defended DuPont in their manufacture of a dangerous chemical, which used to be a component in Teflon.
Teflon was marketed as a safe, convenient way to avoid food sticking to your pans. It’s also used in clothing (such as children’s clothing) to prevent stains.
But as most people now know, older Teflon is fairly toxic, especially when it becomes overheated and outgasses. Bird owners must never use Teflon products, or they risk the death of their birds. And it’s all because of a chemical used in its manufacture called PFOA.
PFOA is called a “forever chemical.” That is, once it exists, it cannot be destroyed and doesn’t degrade at a reasonable rate in the environment. It also builds up in blood, and is most likely found in some form within most people on the planet. It interferes with hormonal systems, and has been linked to decreased efficiency in vaccines. (to be clear, PFOA and PFAS is not IN vaccines. It’s in the water supply, and it just never leaves your body.) It is very likely a human carcinogen.
PFOA is no longer used in the manufacture of Teflon, no thanks to Michael McCabe, who helped DuPont defend its use. McCabe then went on to phase out the use of PFOA when it became clear that the chemical was making people sick.
While McCabe has committed to not taking a permanent position in the Biden administration, it’s a good idea to call your representatives and let them know that you don’t approve of this environmental trainwreck being anywhere close to environmental policy.
Additional Source: CNN Interview with Erin Brockovich
