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Federal study shows PFAs impact human health at levels roughly ten times lower than thought

Steve Johnson
/
https://flic.kr/p/aBotoC

A study on PFAs previously blocked by the Trump Administration and the EPA was released Wednesday.

In May, news reports indicated that a study into the impacts of PFAs - chemical compounds found at current and former military bases and manufacturing sites across the state - showed health impacts at levels far lower than previously thought.

Reports also showed the release of the study was blocked by White House and EPA staff citing a quote “public relations nightmare.”

US Congressman Dan Kildee was one of several lawmakers who called for the study’s release.

He said the 852-page report shows several types of PFAs can impact human health at levels around ten parts per trillion. Current EPA action levels for PFAs sit at 70 parts per trillion.

“Since we know now that this substance is much more dangerous than we previously thought EPA health advisories ought to reflect that.”

Kildee added that more research should be done on the health impacts of PFAs.

“We oughta be making sure that anyone who is suffering who could have been affected gets the help that they deserve.”

Kildee said in the wake of the study’s release, the federal government should increase funding for PFA clean up efforts.

“To the extent that the federal government through the department of defense had anything to do with this we should be the responsible party and take care of the problem but obviously the problem is much bigger than just Department of Defense sites.”

The study outlined the impacts of a variety of different PFAs.

PFAs were linked to decreased antibody response to vaccines, decreased fertility, thyroid disease, and asthma, among other things. Only PFOA was linked to cancer.