C8: what’s known
Few conclusions, despite years of testingBy Sam Shawver, sshawver@mariettatimes.com
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C8 Science Panel studies at a glance:
Cholesterol, diabetes, uric acid and C8 levels among participants in the C8 Health Project - Initial results reported in January 2009.
The Immune Function, Liver, Hormone Disorders and Cancer Prevalence Study Based on the C8 Health Project - Initial results due sometime in 2009.
The Community Follow-Up Study - Data collection through 2010, results due in 2011.
The Worker Follow-up Study - Data collection through 2010, results due in 2011.
The Study of Birth Outcomes in the Mid-Ohio Valley - Initial results due in 2009.
The Study of Birth Outcomes among the C8 Health Project Participants - Initial results due in 2009.
The Geographic Patterns of Cancer Study - Data collection through 2009, results due in 2010.
Follow-up Study on Immune Function, Liver and Hormone Disorders - Data collection through 2009, results in 2010.
The Exposure Study - Results due in 2009.
The Half-Life Study - Results due in 2011.
Neurobehavioral Development Study - Results due in 2011.
A science panel charged with determining how C8 may affect the health of Mid-Ohio Valley residents has been conducting studies for about three years now - so have they been able to reach any firm conclusions?
"I would say not," panel member Dr. Kyle Steenland, with Emory University in Atlanta, told The Marietta Times this week.
"We know a little more from some of our initial research, but none of it has been very conclusive at this time," he said, noting that it will take time and a lot more research to make any definitive statements about C8's effects on human health.
The science panel files periodic status reports about the series of studies on its Web site, www.c8sciencepanel.org. The panel was established as part of the settlement of a class-action lawsuit over the presence of C8, used in the Teflon-manufacturing process at DuPont's Washington, W.Va., Works plant in Wood County, in water systems.
Other studies have also proven inconclusive. Even though they have suggested links between C8 exposure and cancer, difficulty conceiving children, weakening of immune systems and other negative effects, no causal link has been proven and more research is suggested.
Meanwhile, a recent study says levels of C8 found in drinking water supplies today fall within a safe range for human consumption.
Anna Adams of Cutler, one of 69,000 participants in an initial C8 health survey conducted in 2005 and 2006, has been following the science panel's progress.
"I'm still pretty concerned. The studies haven't really given me any answers about C8 in relation to cancer. And my 6-year-old son was born with a heart condition," she said. "So I'll be interested to see what the study shows about those issues."
Adams is a customer of the Little Hocking Water Association. A filtration system installed in 2007 has resulted in C8 no longer being detected in Little Hocking's treated water, but some residents, like Adams, still prefer to drink bottled water.
Janice Kuhn, pastor of the Fellowship Chapel in Little Hocking, takes bottled water wherever she goes.
"I do feel somewhat safer drinking bottled water," she said. "I always have some with me. But we use regular tap water for cooking and washing."
Michael Higgins of Vincent said his family is also on the Little Hocking water system but uses bottled water for drinking.
"I hate to be paying a water bill and have to purchase bottled water, too" he said, but added that he didn't want to take any chances with his family's health.
Higgins also took part in the first health study.
"There's a lot I don't understand about these studies, but I do think it's important that people know how C8 can affect their health," he said.
C8 is the common name for perfluorooctanoic acid, or PFOA, a man-made chemical used in manufacturing products like non-stick cookware, protective carpet finishes, water-resistant clothing and weather-barrier wrap for houses.
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency labeled C8 "a likely carcinogen" in 2005, but that review is still ongoing, said Dale Kemery, spokesman with the agency.
"The risk assessment is ongoing and there's no timeline for when it will be finished," he said.
The Washington Works plant had used C8 in manufacturing processes since the 1950s. As a result, the chemical was released into the air and Ohio River, and eventually found its way into local groundwater where it was detected in six water districts near the DuPont plant in 2002.
Residents from those six Ohio and West Virginia water districts, including Little Hocking, filed a class action lawsuit against DuPont over the presence of C8 in the water supplies. The settlement resulted in a year-long survey - the C8 Health Project - conducted between August 2005 and July 2006.
The project included interviews, questionnaires and blood sampling of 69,000 residents in the communities located near the plant.
The settlement also established the science panel, made up of public health scientists chosen by lawyers for members of the lawsuit's class as well as by DuPont officials. The panel is using data from the C8 Health Project as well as conducting its own research to determine whether there is a probable link between C8 exposure and diseases that exist within the local communities.
Panel studies began in 2006 and will continue through 2011 and possibly beyond, according to Steenland.
"I believe some study will be required beyond the 2011 limit established through the settlement," he said. "We will likely continue those, but outside the court case."
The science panel is comprised of Steenland, Dr. Tony Fletcher of the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine and Dr. David Savitz of Mt. Sinai School of Medicine in New York.
But the science panel isn't the only source of studies of the chemical's effects on health, according to David Boothe, business manager for DuPont's fluoroproducts division.
"PFOA is a highly studied compound with over 250 published studies looking at human and animal health, and new studies are coming out every day," he said. "Based on reviews we've done, it creates no risk to the general population. And based on a review of the science, we haven't changed our position on that, although studies continue."
Boothe noted that DuPont's Washington Works facility has significantly reduced C8 emissions, but it will take several years for the chemical to work its way out of the local groundwater.
He cited a Sapphire Group study as one of the "latest and most up-to-date" looks at potential health effects of C8.
The report, released Tuesday, says levels of PFOA found in drinking water supplies are safe for human exposure.
The group reported that C8 concentrations in drinking water "range from less than the detectable limit of 7.5 parts per trillion to 3.5 parts per billion near some manufacturing facilities." The study said a safe range of lifetime exposure to PFOA in drinking water would be between 0.7 parts per billion and 6.5 parts per billion.
But in January the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency issued a nationwide short-term emergency health advisory that people should reduce consumption of drinking water containing C8 levels of more than 0.4 parts per billion.
The Sapphire report also said studies of workers exposed to high concentrations of C8 in factories "have found no increase in the incidence of adverse health effects."
Dr. Robert G. Tardiff, a former chief toxicologist for the U.S. EPA, was principal author of the Sapphire Group study.
The Sapphire Group is headquartered in Bethesda, Md., and provides health science risk management consulting services internationally.
Brad Bauer and Justin McIntosh contributed.
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ColtsMommy
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03-08-09 10:25 PM
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Although it is humorous I find it sad that we now need to add a disclaimer to our Personal Opinion on a Opinion Forum, so we don't offend others with our Freedom Of Speech privileges. I don't see any of us using cuss words or using any racial tones. We are usually respectful to each other and if our humor is taken wrongly we apologize and try to explain. There are only a few people on here who are offensive and I haven't seen then for a while. Either hit & runs or banned deservedly. Again, hang in there Parrothead. We don't have to agree to see eye to eye. Blessings!
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Screwu2
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03-07-09 11:52 PM
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ColtsMommy- The Genetics Specialist in Columbus told us not to cook anything on Teflon as it may have a link to Autism. Both of the boys were early births as well. Parrothead- LOL I love your disclaimer. Great idea!!!
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Parrothead
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03-07-09 10:51 PM
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ColtsMommy – I am not on “parole” I am on “Double Secret Probation!” I think it’s time for a “Road Trip” or a “Toga Party!” (Disclaimer: This post is not intended to be offensive or abusive in any way. Any perceived abuse or offense is purely coincidental.)
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ColtsMommy
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03-07-09 10:08 PM
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Parrothead...I can't image you are on "parole" but we have all seen how the censor police on all forum don't always see eye to eye with us. I was shocked that I was censored...it only took 2 days before they pulled my thread...oh well. I can't help but wonder if it is the Times or if we are censored due to disgruntled readers who claim "offense". Hang in there. We understand that we may not always agree, but we are still online friends. Take care and Blessings! I understand your humor, but I have a sense of humor. There are too many people who are a little bit uptight.
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Parrothead
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03-07-09 7:59 PM
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Thank You, ColtsMommy. I try to have a sense of humor but it can be very dry and sarcastic at times and some people don’t know how to take it. That is why the disclaimer is on all of my posts now, I have been put on notice by the times for inappropriate posts and violating the Times terms of Use policy. The disclaimer is my way of making fun of this along with a little CMA! LOL! (Disclaimer: This post is not intended to be offensive or abusive in any way. Any perceived abuse or offense is purely coincidental.)
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Parrothead
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03-07-09 7:53 PM
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Mariettagrl said, “….guess who usually picks up the bill when EPA designates a superfund site or other clean up - not DuPont, I can tell you that.” Guess what Mariettagrl, the superfund site between Par-Mar and Americas Styrenics on Route 7 was paid for and is monitored still today by Union Carbide. Well what do you know about that!?!?! Under today’s Hazardous material laws the company that created a substance is responsible for it from cradle to grave plus. (Disclaimer: This post is not intended to be offensive or abusive in any way. Any perceived abuse or offense is purely coincidental.)
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ColtsMommy
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03-07-09 7:42 PM
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btw...Parrothead...good points and a great sense of humor tonight. Love it! I'm not sure if the disclaimer is my favorite or I could of had a C8. ColtsDad likes the latter.
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ColtsMommy
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03-07-09 7:39 PM
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I don't own any Teflon or carpeting (cast iron and hard wood floors only), but I was told that parts of my body might be Teflon coated and could be reason for my son's early birth...lol (you know who you are...lol). We live in Boaz across the OH river from the plants and the dust is terrible. I have been told it is magnesium and carbon. (It gives me an excuse not to dust, just don't move any of the prettys in my house...lol... a joke!) Yes, industry is vital to what is left of our community, but so is our health and the health of our future generations. The real question isn't what do we know about C8, but what don't we know, and won't we know for another 50 years. Asbestos is a good example of what may be yet to come. Cancer? Probably.
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mariettagrl
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03-07-09 6:51 PM
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As for those worried about what happens if these polluting plants leave, I don't think you all are looking at the big picture. No industry can last forever, but when you've ruined the water, air, and land, you close a lot of doors. And guess who usually picks up the bill when EPA designates a superfund site or other clean up - not DuPont, I can tell you that.
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mariettagrl
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03-07-09 6:46 PM
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I think those uses aren't worth the trade-offs (drinking and eating a suspected carcinogen, etc). I go for cast iron and a wool rug.
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Parrothead
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03-07-09 6:02 PM
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Juniorchamps – Can we all assume that seeing how you are such an ardent spokesperson against C8 that you personally do not use any cookware with Teflon, you have no stain master carpet in your home or use any other product that uses Teflon in its production? If you use any product that uses Teflon, and DuPont Washington Works is the only manufacturer of Teflon, then you are part of the problem and not part of the solution and you should just sit back and be quiet. They only make Teflon because the public wants it in the products they/ you purchase. Take away the demand and the product disappears along with the C8 used to produce it. (Disclaimer: This post is not intended to be offensive or abusive in any way. Any perceived abuse or offense is purely coincidental.)
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CrazyLarryJones
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03-07-09 4:25 PM
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C8 is a by-product of making Teflon and as far as I know the Washington Works is the only place in the world making Teflon it shouldn't be a surprise that this area has the highest levels. You can always move to Detroit if yo are looking for less polution.
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Parrothead
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03-07-09 3:16 PM
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Industry that wants to employee lots of people at a living wage that is. Life is full of trade offs and a little pollution for a good local economy is one of them. (Disclaimer: This post is not intended to be offensive or abusive in any way. Any perceived abuse or offense is purely coincidental.)
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mariettagrl
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03-07-09 1:12 PM
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Most people don't want to move to a place with C8 in the water and manganese in the air to raise their kids - so we can forget about attracting new industry, other than industries that just want to pollute even more.
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Parrothead
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03-07-09 11:46 AM
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WOW! I could have had a C8 !! (Disclaimer: This post is not intended to be offensive or abusive in any way. Any perceived abuse or offense is purely coincidental.)
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crackalackin
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03-07-09 11:42 AM
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I had a refreshing glass of C8 this morning. It was great
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crackalackin
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03-07-09 11:42 AM
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I had a refreshing glass of C8 this morning. It was great
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CrazyLarryJones
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03-07-09 10:56 AM
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Yep, with out the plants there wouldn't be anything around here. We would all be making our money off of tourism, BWAHAHAHAHA
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Parrothead
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03-07-09 10:53 AM
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Yeah you are right! Run more industry out of the area and it will surely become “DEATH VALLEY” This area is dying but it isn’t because of C8 (Disclaimer: This post is not intended to be offensive or abusive in any way. Any perceived abuse or offense is purely coincidental.)
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