PFOA is Perfluorooctanoic Acid - Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Panel Declares PFOA to be a "Likely" Carcinogen
New: California Governor Vetoes PFOA Ban So That Review System May Be Implemented.
PFOA: From Cookware to All Weather Clothing: Concerns regarding Exposure and Risk
PFOA is an essential aid for processing in the manufacture of fluoropolymers. Fluoropolymer manufacturers argue that there are no known alternatives to PFOA.

Some processes of manufacturing can use other different technologies that don't employ PFOA, but these processes cannot currently be used to produce most fluoropolymer products. The industry has committed to providing additional information as part of its ongoing voluntary activities with respect to these chemicals.
Note: The EPA doesn't know all the uses of the telomer chemicals, and thus does not have currently available information concerning alternatives for those uses.