WISCONSIN – State Senator Dave Hansen (D-Green Bay) is asking the state Department of Health Services to provide free blood tests for those people who live in or near the contaminated areas; and to conduct a cancer cluster assessment of residents and their children, who may have been exposed to PFAS growing up in the Marinette and Peshtigo areas.
Hansen made the request in a January 7 letter to DHS Secretary-designee Andrea Palm.
“As you know constituents in my district who live in the Town of Peshtigo, City of Marinette and surrounding area are very concerned about their health in light of the PFAS contamination crisis caused by JCI/Tyco’s use of the toxic compounds at their facilities in Marinette and the City of Peshtigo,” Hansen said.
“While the DNR is working to hold JCI/Tyco accountable for the cleanup of the toxic compounds they put in the environment, little has been done to help my constituents learn how their own health may have been impacted. I believe they have a right to know, at the very least, what levels of PFAS are in bodies,” Hansen added.
PFAS compounds are referred to as forever chemicals because once they enter the environment or a person’s body they don’t break down. They have also been linked to liver damage, thyroid disease, decreased fertility, high cholesterol, obesity, hormone suppression and cancer.
“The requested cancer study and blood testing will help families make informed decisions about their health. Blood testing will document current levels and set a baseline that in turn will help inform more protective policies and regulations for PFAS in these communities and around Wisconsin,” said Laura Olah, Executive Director of Citizens for Water Around Badger and statewide coordinator for the PFAS Community Campaign.
Hansen said that Michigan has provided similar tests so their residents can find if they have levels of PFAS higher than the national average.
“We should be offering the same testing here in Wisconsin. Once people have that information they can choose how to use it and whether to seek additional medical diagnosis or treatment,” Hansen emphasized.
Senator Hansen is an author of the CLEAR Act, legislation that would set statewide standards for PFAS, PFOA and other toxic compounds that have been found in groundwater, drinking water, surface water, the air and in the sludge that has been spread on area farm fields.
“We have people right now who are likely drinking this poison and don’t even know it. It’s past time that we set safe standards for these toxic chemicals and make sure that those who contaminate our communities are held accountable for their cleanup and for the health and safety of our families. It’s also part time that we address the public health side of this dangerous crisis. It is my hope that we can begin that process by providing free blood tests to area residents and conducting a cancer cluster study,” Hansen said.
WI State Senator Hansen letter to Secretary Palm re bloodtesting for PFAS 7 Jan 2020
CSWAB Natural Resources Board Support for Proposed Statements of Scope PFAS Jan 2020
Wisconsin Division Health Response to Blood Testing Request 22 Jan 2020
(Photo: PFAS blood testing in Newburgh, NY 2017)