Gangrene at the Huiteh 59mins
Washington, EC 20515

May 13, 2013

The Honorable Scott Pruitt
Administrator

US. Environmental Protection Agency
1200 Avenue, NW.
Washington, DC 20460

Dear Administrator Pruitt:

We write in regards to recent reporting that Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) staff were involved
in the suppression of the release of a Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Agency for Toxic
Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR) draft assessment evaluating the adverse human health effects
of per?uorooctanesulfonic acid (PFOS) and perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA). This assessment concluded
that PFOS and PF 0A can cause human harm at a much lower level of exposure than previously
acknowledged by EPA. We were particularly concerned by reports that the release of this HHS study was
withheld for political reasons, on the grounds that it would create a ?public relations nightmare.? If true,
this constitutes a clear violation of the public trust.

Your agency is currently evaluating whether to promulgate a legally enforceable Safe Drinking Water Act
(SDWA) regulation establishing a Maximum Contaminant Level (MCL) for PF OS and PFOA. Such a
decision should be guided by science and free from political interference. Too many communities across
the nation are plagued by ongoing, serious questions regarding the threat the contamination may pose to
their health and that of their loved ones. Some also doubt the commitment of the federal government to
address this issue in a manner that prioritizes and adequately addresses their health concerns. Many of us
represent these communities.

Studies on PFOS and PFOA have indicated links to cancer, thyroid disease, immunological effects,
hormonal impacts, increased cholesterol, fertility issues, and negative effects on growth, learning, and
behavior of infants and older children. For decades, these chemicals have been used in hundreds of
industrial applications and consumer products such as carpeting, apparels, upholstery, food paper
wrappings, metal plating and ?re-fighting foams. Aqueous ?lm-formin foam (AF is a 
water-based foam used to ?ght Class (fuel-related) ?res. The US. Department of Defense has
identi?ed [26 facilities whereFF, testing of nearby water supplies found the
chemicals in exceedance of current safety guidelines.

The American people have a right to see taxpayer~funded research on the human health effects of
exposure to PFOS and PFOA. Moreover, any such research should guide actions to effectuate its
mission of ensuring all Americans have access to clean, safe drinking water. We demand your
explanation for these repotts and, most importantly, the immediate release of the HHS study.

     
 


Sincerely,
Brendan F. Boyle Brian K. itzpatri Peter T. King

Member of Congress Member of Congress Member of Congress

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