Fitzpatrick Responds To Report On Air Force Studies

Statement

Congressman Mike Fitzpatrick (PA-08) today responded to claims that the U.S. Airforce maintained private concerns and studies on the toxicity of perfluorinated compounds (PFCs), dating back decades.

These compounds have been cited as affecting the drinking water in Horsham, Warminster, and Warrington, Bucks County from the surrounding former military installations.

I find it alarming that any Air Force base would ignore reports indicating serious health risks posed to personnel and civilians, for decades. The Air National Guard in Horsham is a community-based organization; many personnel are lifelong area residents. While the content of the toxicological studies have not been released, I will join my colleagues in seeking a full congressional review of the military investigation into the health effects of PFCs.

My frustration mounts as the EPA continues to classify PFCs as unregulated contaminates with only provisional health advisories, despite now learning that research studies have existed for nearly 40 years. I renew my call for the Center for Disease Control to immediately begin a long-term study on the impact of PFOS and PFOA. I will continue to seek funding for such a study when the House resumes session in November.

The allegations, uncovered by The Gazette of Colorado Springs, Colorado, suggest that the Air Force ignored warnings from its own research, which showed harm to animals exposed to an unidentified perfluorinated compound.

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