University of Pennsylvania C8 Study Recommendations Presented to Little Hocking Consumers

WMOA Radio Marietta, Callie Lyons
Published August 15, 2005

A University of Pennsylvania study on C8 found no evidence that the manufacturing chemical causes liver, kidney, or thyroid problems. However, since questions still remain about PFOA's potential for causing cancer and developmental problems, Dr. Edward Emmett is recommending that people with contaminated water supplies consider alternative drinking water sources until the Teflon chemical has been removed. Emmett's study revealed several new clues about C8, but left many of the big questions unanswered. The National Institute of Health Environmental Justice Grant provided funding for the independent examination in order to determine the levels of C8 in Little Hocking customers, the source of the contamination, and whether or not there was an association between PFOA and health abnormalities, specifically pertaining to liver, kidney and thyroid function and disease. The information was gathered from a random sampling of 324 people from 160 households and 54 volunteers from 38 households - all who are Little Hocking water customers. In presenting his research, Emmett used the median level, or middle value, as the "best indicator of where people are." C8 exposure in the general population has a median level of 5 parts per billion. C8 exposure for Little Hocking Water customers is at a median level of 340 parts per billion. No significant difference was found between men and women, but age was a factor. People under the age of 6 and over the age of 60 tested amongst the highest groups. The study concluded that Little Hocking Water Association customers who consumed bottled water exclusively had the lowest levels of C8 exposure as a group with a median value of 55, as opposed to 386 parts per billion for those who exclusively consumed Little Hocking water. Emmett also said certain carbon water filters can help reduce the amount of C8 delivered through drinking water. Eating local fish or game, drinking alcohol and smoking cigarettes don't seem to have any impact on C8 levels. But, Emmett's study indicates that people who eat fruits and vegetables from their garden have significantly higher levels of C8 in their blood. He wants to work with the EPA to study how fruits and vegetables are a source of C8 and whether the C8 is coming from the food, water used for cooking or cleaning the produce, or different diet habits. Considering all the evidence, Dr. Emmett recommended that C8 be removed from the Little Hocking Water Association's service as soon as possible. He said it was important to insure continued reduced emissions of C8 from Washington Works and strongly suggested that Little Hocking customers use an alternative source of drinking water until a filtration treatment system is complete. He recommends using bottled water for drinking, preparing hot drinks, cooking, preparing infant formula, and brushing teeth. Dr. Emmett will be available at the Decatur Township Community Building on Tuesday, August 16 from 9:00 a.m. - 11:30 a.m. to answer questions about C8.