FOUNTAIN, Colorado – The firefighting foam used by Peterson Air Force Base contaminated the drinking water for residents nearby, and a study by University of Colorado researchers found that after decades of exposure, nearby residents have extremely high levels of toxic PFCs in their blood.
Researchers began studying blood level test results since we reported on it last year.
According to a report released Thursday, researchers found that residents in the Fountain Valley had a medial level of PFHxS (Perfluorohexanesulfonic acid) that is more than 10 times higher than the national average (14.8 ug/level compared to 1.4 ug/ml.)
Thursday evening, a water coalition is hosting CU researcher Dr. John Adgate and other researchers for a talk about the results.
That’s taking place at 6:30 p.m. at First United Methodist Church, 1003 N. Santa Fe Ave. in Fountain.
The researchers will be measuring biological markers of exposure and health indicators in about 200 people who consumed contaminated water, according to a news release issued Thursday.
It stems from a nine-month study conducted by the U.S. Air Force that says firefighting foam used at Peterson Air Force Base contaminated the groundwater and soil with poly- and perfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs).
The organization says little information is known about the effects of PFASs on humans in areas with water contaminated by film-forming foams.
“This research will contribute to our understanding of the factors driving this unique exposure and how it may affect long-term health,” said Dr. John Adgate, chair of ColoradoSPH’s Department of Environmental and Occupational Health and principal investigator of the study.
Carbon filtration systems and alternative water supplies were implemented in early 2016 after the contamination was discovered.