An organofluoric compound suspected of causing cancer is polluting water throughout Japan, particularly around the city of Osaka, where high concentrations have been detected in people's blood, a study by a group of researchers showed Monday.
The compound, perfluoro-octanoic acid, or PFOA, is believed to be released during the manufacture of fluorine-related products, such as water repellents.
Since it is not yet known whether high concentrations of PFOA affect human health, the group is urging that further research on the compound be conducted.