PTFE stands for polytetrafluoroethylene, and it's used in nonstick cookware. It's also a popular chemical for making architectural membranes and lubrication products like musical instrument valve oil, and PTFE can be found in car interiors, ski wax and dental floss.

PFOA is a fluoropolymer that's a key component of PTFE. It's an important surfactant in the process of emulsion polymerization and is also used to make fire-fighting foam and sealants.

It's a toxic chemical that can cause health problems when ingested, inhaled or exposed to high levels. It's been linked to heart disease, blood-vessel dysfunction and kidney cancer in some studies.

If you're concerned about your exposure to PFOA and other PFAS chemicals, you should talk with your doctor. He or she can suggest testing to see if you have any of these substances in your bloodstream.

You can also talk to a doctor or environmental health specialist about the risks of consuming foods or beverages that contain PFOA or other PFAS chemicals. They can also help you find alternative options, if you have any concerns.

A lot of people have questions about PTFE and PFOA. Whether it's about their nonstick cookware, ski wax, car interiors or dental floss, they want to know what the risks are and what steps they can take to minimize them.

The good news is that PFOA and other PFAS chemicals are slowly being phased out of production. They have become less of a concern in recent years, but it's still not uncommon for trace amounts to be present in many consumer products. Fortunately, the EPA has worked with companies to get rid of most of them from factory emissions by 2015.