DEQ-CFW_00052890

From: Coleman, Scott [/O=EXCHANGELABS/OU=EXCHANG[ADMINISTRATIVE GROUP
(FYD|BOHF2]SPDLT)/CN=REOP|ENTS/CN=4864114D21A24FGBAO1889F3B4763FD9-RSCOLEMAN]
Sent: 7/14/I0I72:57:33PW1
To: Kritzer, Jamie [/o=ExchangeLabs/ou=ExzhanXeAdministrative Group
(FYD|8OHFZ33PDO)/cn=Redpient$cn=cee93c49d01445a3b541bb3Z7dcdc84O-jbkritzer];Ho|man,3hei|a
[/o=ExchangeLabs/ou=ExchangeAdministrative Group
(FYD|8OHFZ33PDO)/cn=Redpient$cn=94a3f59574d34b769b3bd834a97105c5-scho|man]
Subject: DRAFT DHH3Release Info
Based on continuing analysis of health data and consultation with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the
N.C. Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) has revised its health risk assessment for GenX, the unregulated
chemical compound recently identified in the lower Cape Fear River. The presence of the compound has raised concerns
about public water supplies in southeastern North Carolina.
The assessment establishes a provisional health goal, also referred to as a screening level. A health goal is a non -
regulatory, non -enforceable level that represents the concentration of GenX at which no adverse non -cancer health
effects would be anticipated over an entire lifetime of exposure to the most sensitive population. Health goals are
frequently updated asnew information becomes available.
"Our goal, as always, is to ensure that we provide the most accurate information, in a timely manner, to help ensure the
safety ofall North Carolinians impacted by this emerging contaminant," said Mandy Cohen, M.D., Secretary of the N.C.
DepartmentofHea|thandHumanServices."VVearevvorkingdose|yvvithourpartnersattheDepartmentof
Environmenta|Oua|itytounderstandandcommunicatethepotenda|hea|thrisksof6enX."
The revised health goal for exposure to GenX in drinking water is 140 nanograms per liter (also referred to as parts per
trillion). This goal is expected to be health protective for non -cancer effects in bottle-fed infants, pregnant women,
lactating women, children, and adults. This goal isconsiderably lower than the health goal from the initial health
assessment. This change was based on factors including use of a different set of animal studies as a starting point and
assuming that there could be other potential sources of exposure to GenX in the environment. Detailed information
regarding the initial and revised assessments are posted online at
Based on discussions with EPA, there is not enough information to identify a specific level of GenX that might be
associated with an increased risk for cancer. Health information is also not available to provide a risk assessment for the
other newer or "emerging" compounds related to GenX. DHHSvvi|| continue towork with EPA and the U.S. [enters for
Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to identify and share any health risk information about these compounds as it
becomes available.
"We understand that the uncertainty about health risks from these chemicals isvery stressful for people who rely on
these water ouurces", said Dr. Cohen. "Having safe drinking water isa basic expectation, and w/eare committed to
he|pingpeop|eunderstandthepotenba|riskssotheycanmakethebestdecisionsforthemse|vesandtheirfami|ies."
The health goals will be used for the health risk assessment of Cape Fear River and finished drinking water
samples. Results will be given to with DEQ and the two state agencies will determine what, ifany, health protective
measures are needed.
In late June, Chemours stopped discharging GenX into the Cape Fear River and now sends it to Arkansas where it is
incinerated. GenX is used as a replacement for other perfluorinated compounds and is also produced as a byproduct of
manufacturing process that have been ongoing at the plant since 1980.. It's presence in the Cape Fear River was first
reported inapublication from 2D1G.
WER�U

Scott Coleman
N.C. Department of Health and Human Services
Office of Communications
Communications Manager, Public Health Division
101 Blair Drive, Raleigh NC 27603
Phone: [phone]
Fax: [phone]
Scoff,ColemanOdhhc - nny
www.ncdhhs.go
Email correspondence to and from this address is subject to the North Carolina Public Records Law and may be disclosed to third parties by an authorized State
official. Unauthorized disclosure of juvenile, health, legally privileged, or otherwise confidential information, including confidential information relating to an ongoing
State procurement effort, is prohibited by law. If you have received this email in error, please notify the sender immediately and delete all records of this email.
DEQ-CFW-00052891