been longstanding, unresolved controversies over potential health hazards of trichloroethylene (TCE) and other halocarbon solvents that had been widely used for industrial cleaning . More recently perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA), a precursor in the most common manufacturing process for Teflon and also used to make coatings for fabrics and food packaging, became a health and environmental concern starting in 2006 , suggesting that halocarbons, though thought to be among the most inert, may also present hazards. Halocarbons, including those that might not be hazards in themselves, can present waste disposal issues. Because they do not readily degrade in natural environments, halocarbons tend to accumulate. Incineration and accidental fires can create corrosive byproducts such as hydrochloric acid and hydrofluoric acid, and poisons like halogenated dioxins and furans. Species of Desulfitobacterium are being investigated for their potential in the bioremediation of halogenic organic compounds. See also Halogenation Carbon–fluorine bond Fluorinated gases List of refrigerants Notes References , settled between the parties, reviewed in , cited in Chemical Industry Archives, Anniston Case , by Environmental Working Group, Washington, DC, 2002 External links