Study says PFC levels declining in east metro

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Levels of perfluorinated chemicals in residents of the east metro are declining, according to the Minnesota Department of Health.

In a follow-up to a 2008 study, the Health Department found levels of three main perfluorinated chemicals to be declining in a pattern seen elsewhere in the country when the source of exposure is removed.

Public and private drinking water supplies in several east metro communities are being filtered to remove the chemicals. Research coordinator Jessica Nelson says the study shows efforts to filter or replace drinking water in the east metro are working.

Nelson said of the 164 participants, all but 30 had reduced levels of all three PFCs; the agency will now study an in-depth survey to pinpoint other possible sources of exposure.

"Most researchers think some combination of diet, house dust, and exposure from consumer products are the main sources but there are a lot of specifics that still need to be determined," Nelson said.

3M made the chemicals until 2002 and disposed of industrial wastes at several landfills in the area where they entered the water supply through ground water.

Residents of the east metro who were exposed to perfluorinated chemicals in drinking water have been eliminating the chemicals from their bodies, according to a new study by the Minnesota Department of Health.

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• Cities grapple with costs of removing PFAS from drinking water
• 3M 'forever chemicals' settlement moves forward