BOLIVIA – Brunswick County has released its findings regarding GenX in Brunswick County’s water supply, showing a lower amount of the chemical in raw and untreated water than previously reported.
The county on Tuesday announced that water samples taken by Brunswick County in June showed the presence of GenX at 36.8 parts per trillion in raw water, and 32.8 parts per trillion in treated water. That is roughly 19 times less than the 631 nanograms per liter in the water when a 2013-2014 study was completed. That report was made public in June, setting off a firestorm of concern.
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According to the EPA, parts per trillion and nanograms per liter are equivalent to each other, and each form of measurement is equivalent to one drop in one trillion gallons of water, the release states.
While there are no U.S. regulatory guideline levels for GenX (perfluoroalkyl ether carboxylix acid), the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services (NCDHHS) states there is a low risk of adverse health effects from drinking water with these concentrations of GenX.
This is assessment based on a lifetime exposure to the most vulnerable populations, like infants. This assessment is being updated and new health information is expected from NCDHHS soon.
The combined level of all PFOA and PFOS in the water samples was also tested. The samples taken by Brunswick County showed a combined level of 10 parts per trillion, below the EPA’s health advisory of 70 parts per trillion for PFOA and PFOS.
“We understand that the issues related to GenX have received great public attention over the past month,” said Cris Harrelson, Brunswick County Health Director. “It’s an issue that we’ve taken seriously, and these certified results are below health advisories. We will continue to learn more about these chemicals as we work with an independent engineering firm to review our practices and make recommendations.”
Additionally, NCDHHS examined data from the North Carolina Central Cancer Registry, comparing local rates for five types of cancer (pancreatic, liver, uterine, testicular and kidney) to statewide rates.
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Brunswick County had a lower 20-year rate of pancreatic cancer (1996-2015), a lower five-year rate of uterine cancer (2006-2010) and a lower five-year rate of pancreatic cancer (2011-2015) compared with the state rates. Brunswick County rates for other cancers or other timeframes were similar to state rates.
“Brunswick County continues to work with local, state and federal partners, as well as consulting with an expert in water filtration methods, to learn more about GenX and potential filtration methods,” the release states. “At this time, there is no firm scientific evidence that any specific filtration method – either at the system-wide level or at the home filtration level – does remove GenX, though many scientific experts have theorized about methods that may work.
“Brunswick County takes seriously its commitment to provide safe, quality drinking water, and provides water that meets all state and federal drinking water requirements,” the release states. “The County is committed to providing timely, accurate information to the public, and as we test and learn more, information will be shared and available. The County supports testing of potential treatment methods, while also working with our partners and regulatory officials to ensure that GenX is not discharged into the Cape Fear River by the Chemours company.”
For more information, including steps Brunswick County has taken regarding GenX and a FAQ, visit www.brunswickcountync.gov/genx.
GenX Test Results – Brunswick County by Michael James on Scribd
