BERKELEY, Calif., Nov, 14, 2017 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ — More than six million Americans are drinking water polluted with highly fluorinated chemicals.
These substances, used as stain and water repellents and in fighting aviation fires, are associated with health problems including kidney and testicular cancer, thyroid disease, decreased sperm quality, high cholesterol, and decreased response to vaccines.
Scientists and Government Agree – Action is Needed.
Coordinated research is needed to protect the health of our country, say scientists writing in a letter published today as a peer reviewed commentary in Environmental Health.
They are frightened about their health, the health of their children, and are asking for answers," said Arlene Blum, PhD, of the Green Science Policy Institute and co-author of the letter.
The Pentagon and the Federal Aviation Administration are also recipients because the firefighting foams used at military bases and airports are linked to the pollution.
"My dread is that my children’s future health will be harmed by their exposures to these toxic chemicals," said Andrea Amico of Portsmouth NH.
Ms. Amico’s children drank polluted water in a daycare and have elevated levels of the chemicals in their blood years later.
The scientists’ proposal would provide impacted communities with education, blood testing, health studies, and medical monitoring.
According to co-author Tom Bruton of the Green Science Policy Institute, "our letter asks decision makers to take action to clean up the contamination, study the impacted communities, and prevent future incidents."