Minnesota Pollution Control Agency

MPCA Media Contact: Michael Rafferty, (651) 297-8294 MDH Media Contact: Tannie Eshenaur, (651) 215-0916 MPCA Technical Contact: Ingrid Verhagen, (651) 296-7266 MDH Technical Contact: Jim Kelly, (651) 215-0913 St. Paul, Minn. -- A manmade chemical used in heat- and water-resistant products has been found above the health-based value for a perfluorochemical (PFC) in eight private wells in Lake Elmo. Results of a joint investigation by the Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) and the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA) were mailed to affected area residents on Tuesday. Amounts of the chemical, perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS), were slightly above the health-based value (HBV) of one part per billion that is considered safe for lifetime consumption in drinking water, according to Jim Kelly, a health assessor at MDH. A related chemical, perfluorooctanic acid (PFOA), was also detected in some wells, but at concentrations below its HBV, which is seven parts per billion. "The eight homes with concentrations of PFOS above the HBV will receive bottled water and the two agencies are also looking at other ways to limit exposure. In the meantime, short-term exposure should not be a concern," said Kelly. The agencies collected water samples from 38 private wells in Lake Elmo and Oakdale. Samples from the eight wells above the HBV for PFOS were reanalyzed to confirm the results. At seven additional wells (one in Oakdale and six in Lake Elmo), PFOS and/or PFOA was detected at concentrations below their respective HBVs. Twenty-three wells did not show any signs of PFCs. The MPCA suspects that the Washington County Landfill is a source for PFCs and will take the necessary response actions. The MPCA's Closed Landfill Program and MDH will continue monitoring the private wells and will expand the number of wells to be sampled. Background:
PFOS and PFOA are in a family of manmade chemicals, PFCs, that have been used for decades to make products that resist heat, oil, stains, grease and water. Common uses include nonstick cookware, stain-resistant carpets and fabrics, as components of fire-fighting foam, and other industrial applications. Minnesota is one of the few states in the country where these chemicals were made. The 3M Company made PFCs at its Cottage Grove facility beginning in the 1940s and phased out the production of PFOS and PFOA by 2002. Wastes from the production process were placed in several local disposal sites, including Washington County Landfill and the 3M Oakdale Dump. PFCs are very stable chemicals that do not change or break down in the environment. Therefore, they may build up in soil, sediment or in other places. Some studies indicated PFCs easily enter ground water and move long distances. While there is only limited information about human health effects, animal studies indicate high concentrations of PFCs harm the liver and other organs. Developmental problems have been seen in the offspring of pregnant rats exposed to PFCs. Recent sampling of ground water and private wells near the former Washington County Sanitary Landfill as well as the municipal water supply in Oakdale has shown the presence of PFCs.