We All Have PFCs In Our Bodies

National studies show we all have PFOA in our bodies. The median level in the blood of the U.S. population is 5 ppb. In 3M workers, levels were shown as high as 115 ppb. These toxic chemicals stay in our bodies a long time - PFOA has a half life of 3.8 years and 3-5 years for PFOS.

PFOA

Toxicological studies found PFOA causes liver cancer and testicular cancer and may cause other types of cancer such as breast cancer.

In 2006, the U.S. EPA Scientific Advisory Panel recommended PFOA be classified a likely human carcinogen. (See Testimony of Samuel Yamin, MCEA (pdf) for source citations)

Laboratory mice exposed prenatally to PFOS and PFOA develop more slowly and suffer a higher rate of neonatal mortality than nonexposed mice. Once exposed mice reach adulthood, however, they are more likely to become obese.

Source: Environmental Health Perspectives, Volume 115, Number 5, May 2007

PFOA & PFOS

Toxicological studies have shown these two chemicals cause: birth defects, weakened immune system and Altered Hormone System Function, also known as endocrine disruption. (See Testimony of Samuel Yamin, MCEA (pdf) for source citations)

PFBA

3M conducted several studies in 2007 to determine the potential human health effects of PFBA. 3M's developmental study showed effects on the liver and thyroid. Decreased cholesterol and decreased liver weight were also observed. The second 3M study determined PFBA has a half life of several days.

PFBA Study Concerns

State legislators and community residents have called for independent oversight of the 3M-funded studies to ensure both accuracy and community confidence in the findings. Concern exists because 3M has a direct interest in the health study outcome. Under an agreement with the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency, 3M would be responsible for providing safe drinking water for any private wells or public water system with unsafe levels of PFBA. To date, independent oversight of the 3M funded studies has not been provided nor have the studies been peer reviewed.

Minnesota Project to Measure PFCs in People's Bodies

In the summer of 2008, MDH will begin a biomonitoring project in the following PFC contaminated communities: Cottage Grove, Lake Elmo and Oakdale.