VIENNA - The C8 Science Panel announced today there is a probable link between exposure to C8 and testicular cancer and kidney cancer.
"On the basis of epidemiologic and other data available to the C8 Science Panel, we conclude that there is a probable link between exposure to C8 (also known as PFOA) and testicular cancer and kidney cancer, but not any of the other cancers that were considered," the three-member science panel reported today at a press conference.
"We conclude there is no probable link between PFOA and either thyroid cancer or melanoma, for which limited but insufficient evidence to support an association was found. We also conclude that there are no probable links with any of the other cancers considered," according to the science panel's report.
The panel also said there is no link from C8 to adult onset diabetes
The data and studies reviewed human health effects related to exposure to ammonium perfluorooctanoate, also known as C8 or PFOA.
The science panel of three epidemiologists was jointly selected by DuPont and plaintiffs from six affected water districts in West Virginia and Ohio that were part of a class -ction lawsuit. The suit stemmed from DuPont's discharge of C8 into local drinking water supplies. The suit was settled in 2005. As part of the settlement, the science panel was named and charged with independently and comprehensively evaluating all available scientific data relating to PFOA to determine whether there is a link between C8 exposure and serious human disease.
The C8 Science Panel is releasing its final findings on PFOA health effects through a series of final probable link reports. Those reports are being released in three phases. In December 2011, the panel released its first set of reports focusing on reproductive outcomes only. At that time, the panel found a probable link between PFOA exposure and pregnancy-induced hypertension, including preeclampsia.
Today, the panel released its second series of reports and found PFOA exposure to also be linked to kidney and testicular cancer. The panel plans to release the remainder of its reports, including ones investigating heart disease, thyroid disease, neurological problems in children, lipid disorders and others by the end of July.
With PFOA now linked to serious human disease, DuPont's class-action agreement requires it to pay up to an additional $235 million to fund a medical monitoring program. The program will help detect the onset of PFOA-linked diseases among the approximately 70-80,000 residents who are class members as defined in the settlement agreement.
For the full story read The Parkersburg News and Sentinel on Tuesday.
