PFOA is short for perfluorooctanoic acid (also called C8), a synthetic chemical compound that is used, along with PTFE, to manufacture certain fluoropolymer-and telomer-based consumer products, including nonstick pan coatings like Teflon.owever, because this chemical is used in the manufacturing process, it has been found in low levels in the environment and even in the bloodstream of a sample of the U.S. population. It has been found to affect the development of laboratory animals, as well as other adverse effects on their health.