The CDC (Center for Disease Control) and ATSDR (Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry) are providing certain states $1 million each to research links between PFAS chemicals and human health issues. The states include; Colorado, Michigan, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Massachussettes, New York and California –all of which have had high levels of PFAS found in their drinking water. The studies will examine those who have high levels of PFAS chemicals in their bodies, including an estimated 2,000 children (ages 4-17) and 6,000 adults (ages 18+).
According to the New York Times, this is the first research funded by the federal government regarding PFAS. There are growing concerns with these chemicals as more and more people feel they’ve been affected by them. For example, a woman’s family in Pennsylvania has developed rare cancers and diseases (her daughters never grew their adult teeth) over the years after living near a military base with high levels of PFAS in its drinking water. These studies will hopefully lead to more understanding about PFAS and more protection against them.
