DEQ-CFW_00021068

I want you to know that DHHS is working closely with DEQ to understand a
communicate the potential health risks of GenX to the health of North
Carolinians. I
Environmental Quality in protecting the health of our citizens. In addition to being
a fellow teammate, we are here today because we were asked by DEQ to help
interpret the health risks related to this exposure.
What we do know is that GenX is a part of a chemical process used in the
manufacturing of nonstick coatings and other materials. It was developed in 2009
to be a safer replacement for previous processes. There are currently no U.S.
regulatory guideline levels for GenX; and because this is a relatively new process,
there is limited health information available about GenX.
Joining me here are staff from the Division of Public Health, who have been
working directly with DEQ since the news story broke last week. They are our
state epidemiologist and four experts from the Occupational and Environmental
Epidemiology Branch:
• Dr. Zack Moore, A Physician and our State Epidemiologist
• Dr. Rick Langley, A Physician and Medical Consultant
• Dr. Amy Risen, An Environmental Toxicologist
• Kennedy Holt, A Chemical Risk Assessor
• Dr. Mina Shehee, The Head of the Occupational and Environmenta'
They are working closely with the local health departments along this stretch of
the Cape Fear River, including daily conference calls to share the latest
information. They will continue to work with our partners at DEQ on this evolving
issue, including the evaluation of the lab results that are returned to the state.
OEQ-CFVV_00021068