Faso Questions EPA on Release of Study on PFOA and PFAS

 

 

Faso Questions EPA on Release of Study on PFOA and PFAS

Release of Critical Study on Human Health Impacts of PFOA and PFOS Slowed by EPA

Washington D.C. – Congressman John Faso (R-Kinderhook) questioned Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency, Scott Pruitt, regarding the agency’s role in slowing the release of a critical study on Perfluorooctanoic Acid (PFOA) and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS).

This letter follows actions by Congressman Faso to advocate for the residents of Hoosick Falls and Petersburgh in Rensselaer County.

Faso Letter to the EPA, February 17, 2017 – Faso outlines the past actions taken by EPA, and the September 9, 2016 proposal to add Saint-Gobain site to Superfund NPL.

Faso Follow Up Letter to the EPA, June 22, 2017 – Faso follows up to EPA Administrator to Pruitt to add McCaffrey site to Superfund NPL.

Faso/Welch Letter to the EPA, June 27, 2017 – Bipartisan letter to EPA Administrator Pruitt encouraging the EPA to take a more prominent role in determining the impacts of PFCs.

Excerpt from the letter:

“I have heard reports that the Environmental Protection Agency has slowed the release of a Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) study which details the human health impacts of PFOA and PFOS. If this is true, the EPA should immediately reverse course and support the release of this study upon its completion.”

 

A signed copy of the letter is available here. Text of the letter is available below:

The Honorable Scott Pruitt

Administrator

U.S. Environmental Protection Agency

1200 Pennsylvania Ave, N.W.

Washington, DC 20460

Dear Administrator Pruitt:

Over the last three years, thousands of residents in New York have been suffering from contaminated water supplies due to Perfluorooctanoic Acid (PFOA) and another Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS). As you know, the physical structure of PFOA allows it to easily be transported in groundwater, creating a long-term public health risk.

Recently, I have heard reports that the Environmental Protection Agency has slowed the release of a Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) study which details the human health impacts of PFOA and PFOS. If this is true, the EPA should immediately reverse course and support the release of this study upon its completion.

Previous examinations of PFOA and PFOS have shown possible health complications from exposure including cancer, fertility issues, and slowed learning in children. Communities in my district like Hoosick Falls and Petersburgh have seen these early reports and continue to suffer the long-term impacts of this water contamination.  Residents in Upstate New York are looking for as much information as possible so they can make well informed decisions for their families.

The constituents in my district deserve to know any and all information contained within this HHS study and I encourage you to support its publication.

Sincerely,

John J. Faso

Member of Congress

cc: Secretary Alex M. Azar II, US Department of Health and Human Services

Author: Harlem Valley News