NH DES Official: Cancer Linked to PFOA/PFOS in Water

In a significant departure from statements made by (NH) state health officials, Health Risk Assessment Supervisor for the New Hampshire State Department of Environmental Services (DES) Dennis Pinksi has issued a statement listing health effects, including cancers, he says are associated with exposure to PFOS and PFOA in drinking water.

In his memo dated earlier this month, Mr. Pinski states that the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)  has provided “information on the adverse health effects associated with the ingestion of these chemicals in drinking water.” He goes on to write that “scientific studies have shown exposure to PFOA and PFOS in drinking water to be associated with…developmental effects, decreased bone formation, accelerated puberty in males, reduced newborn body weight, liver toxicity, thyroid effects, immune system effects and cancer.”

Mr. Pinski also refers to studies that show that PFOA exposure could result in an increased risk of liver, testicular and pancreatic tumors.

Meanwhile the State Epidemiologist Dr. Benjamin Chan said in a recent interview with the Portsmouth Herald, “we don’t know if PFCs cause any health effects for humans.” The city of Portsmouth  had to close the Haven Well at Pease International Tradeport after the Air Force found levels of PFOS over 12 times higher than the EPA’s provisional health advisory.

The environmental attorneys at Napoli Shkolnik have the experience and resources to seek justice for those suffering from the health effects of PFC exposure. The environmental litigation team is currently handling PFOA and PFOS cases in Newburgh, Hoosick Falls, Westhampton, Colorado, Vermont, New Hampshire as well as other cities. If you are dealing with illnesses or property damages as a result of PFOA/PFOS contamination, contact us for a free, confidential consultation.

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