(WKEF/WRGT) – The Department of Health and Human Services released a draft report that examined the health effects of exposure to certain water contaminants Thursday.
The report examines the health effects of exposure to Perfluorooctane Sulfonate (PFOS) and Perfluorooctanoic Acid (PFOA).
The chemicals have been reported in the groundwater at military installations across the country, including Wright-Patterson Air Force Base.
Representative Mike Turner (R – District 10) had written a letter to EPA Administrator Scott Pruitt calling for the public release of the study after it was reported that he was blocking it, and then to HHS Secretary Alex Azar to publicly release it after Pruitt said he would not block it.
"Today, the draft report of the study has been released to the public.
As I said to both Administrator Pruitt and Secretary Azar, this is a matter of public health and safety.
Based on this information, I encourage federal, state, and local environmental regulators to examine whether they are appropriately communicating the risks presented by and adequately addressing the presence of PFOS and PFOA in drinking water.
We must ensure agencies at all levels are using the most reliable data and best available science to ensure our drinking water remains safe," he said in a statement.
“We must ensure Ohio communities have access to the very best science when it comes to toxic chemicals,” Senator Sherrod Brown (D – OH) said.
“I’m encouraging Ohio experts and communities to weigh in as this report is finalized and urging these agencies to take those comments very seriously as they develop final recommended levels of PFAS chemicals.” “I am pleased that the administration has released this report because our communities deserve to have the best available information and science on the human health impacts of contaminants,” Senator Rob Portman (R – OH) said.