C8 Investigation Could Provoke Nationwide Testing

WMOA Radio Marietta, Callie Lyons
Published August 10, 2005

Just like arsenic, cyanide, or mercury, at some point in the future, C8 could be on the long list of dangerous substances mandated for regular testing by every water system in the United States. That's what the Ohio Environmental Protection Agency says following the discovery of the DuPont manufacturing chemical in the air and wastewater near a Circleville plant. The revelation prompted the testing of neighboring water systems in Pickaway and Ross County. Since both tested "non-detect" for the presence of C8, no further testing will be conducted at this time. The OEPA is waiting on the results of a federal EPA risk assessment before devising a plan for further action to monitor the Teflon manufacturing chemical. Jim Leach, OEPA public information officer, said the major focus right now is on blood sampling studies like the C8 Health Project and the University of Pennsylvania study, which will be released at a public meeting on Monday at Warren High School. OEPA officials say that conclusion may come several years down the road, but depending on the outcome of the federal assessment, it could lead to a situation where every water system in the United States would have to be routinely checked for the presence of C8.