Testimony & Official Correspondence

The federal government has published proposed, revised cancer risk assessment guidelines that contain significant conclusions and changes in the way the EPA will assess the risk from cancer-causing chemicals in the environment.

Statement by Richard Wiles, Environmental Working Group, Before the Committee on Use of Third Party Toxicity Research with Human Participants

January 8, 2003

Thank you for the opportunity to appear before you today.

A review of federal and industry science on the toxic industrial chemical commonly called C8 (perflouroctanoic acid, used to make Teflon) reveals that water pollution policy by the West Virginia Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) is far less protective than previous industry standards.

The findings, authored by the Washington-based research organization Environmental Working Group (EWG), undercut public assertions by state officials that their drinking water standards are based on sound science.

Like lead, mercury is toxic to the developing brain. It blocks the natural formation and migration of nerve cells and alters brain growth and development. The fetus is most vulnerable to mercury and the principal source of exposure is fish consumption by the mother. EPA estimates that between 60 and 75 percent of mercury in U.S. waters is from man made pollution, and that coal fired power plants are the largest and only unregulated source.

Key Issues: 

Mercury