LANSING — On Wednesday the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services released the results of a study conducted by Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry, a branch of HHS, regarding potential health impacts from exposure to perfluorooctanoic acid and perfluorooctanesulfonic acid.

The chemical pollutants, which were used primarily in firefighting foam for decades, has been found near air bases and manufacturing facilities in Michigan, including on and near Alpena Combat Readiness Center. It is also used as a non-stick material for cooking pans, utensils and certain fabrics.

The details in the report lifted the eyebrows of representatives in Lansing and Washington D.C., as it says current Environmental Protection Agency guidelines are inadequate.

Currently the EPA health advisory for PFOS and PFOA is set at 70 parts per trillion (ppt) in drinking water, but tests showed negative health impacts were detected in rodents at levels from seven ppt for PFOS and 10 ppt for PFOA. That is significantly lower than the minimal risk levels currently advised by EPA.

Sue Allor, Michigan’s 106 District, has been involved with the contamination issue in Alpena since it was revealed in October of last year. She said she is still pouring through the 894 page report, as is the Michigan Department of Environmental Quality. Allor said the test results are alarming because there could be people who tested below the 70 ppt, who were told their water was safe, when it fact there could be issues with it.

“This could change a whole lot of things and what approaches needed to be taken,” Allor said. “If there are people who have been tested and told they are below the 70 parts per trillion, but are above 10, it is a whole new ball game.”

Allor said the highest groundwater testing sample taken near the base was 15 ppt, which exceeds the levels stated in the study. She said there could be others as well.

“We need to take a look at all of the tests, because there could be others who tested at 11, 12 or 14 that need to be addressed,” Allor said. “I want to be sure everyone has safe, clean drinking water and if the standards are now lower, then we need to take action.”

The results of the study have been held under wraps for some time by the Trump Administration and senators and congressman have been applying pressure to get the results released. The PFOS and PFOA contamination issue is an issue in the state, particularly in a portion of Alpena County, as well as in Oscoda, Grayling and Kent counties.

Congressman Jack Bergman, Michigan’s 1st District, was one of several who was calling on the president to release the study results. In a press release he thanked President Trump for releasing the study and added that it will lead to new regulations and actions on the ground being taken.

“Several current and former military installations throughout the First District of Michigan have been adversely affected by PFAS/PFOA contamination, and this report begins the process of addressing public health concerns,” Bergman said in his press release. “By releasing this report, the Trump Administration has given lawmakers the tools we need to mitigate the spread of these harmful chemicals. I remain committed to addressing this issue and ensuring our communities have safe and reliable water sources.”

Senator Debbie Stabenow worked closely with Bergman and Senator Gary Peters to get the study results. She said Trump’s administration was deliberately blocking the study results because of what they show. Stabenow issued a brief statement on her Twitter account that expressed her pleasure with the president’s change of heart, because people have a right to know the seriousness of the issue.

“For months, I have been calling on the Trump Administration to release a study on the health impacts of PFAS chemicals. Communities across Michigan are dealing with PFAS contamination but the administration blocked release of a study that would shed light on health impacts,” she said. “I’m glad the Trump Administration listened to our bipartisan request and has released this study today. People have a right to know the dangerous health impacts from exposure to these chemicals.”

As of Thursday evening Peters had not issued a statement on the issue.

Preliminary health studies show that exposure to PFOS and PFOA could increase the risk of cancer, as well as impact the immune system. The study did not recommend a new safety level to EPA.

Allor said as the results of the study come into the light and action is taken, she wanted to continue to be involved. She said she has talked to Bergman and told him she would help him in Washington D.C. any way she can and he offered the same in Lansing.

“I told him if he has any one-on-one meeting with EPA or Department of Human Services, I would fly there if I can be involved,” she said. “I want to be a part of the solution for this because in my opinion this is not good.”

Steve Schulwitz can be reached via email at sschulwitz@thealpenanews.com or by phone at 358-5689. Follow Steve on Twitter ss_alpenanews.