Washington, DC – Congressman Brian Fitzpatrick (PA-08) released a statement following the release of a draft assessment on the health effects resulting from exposure to PFOS and PFOA:

"For several weeks I have called on EPA Administrator Pruitt and Health and Human Services to release this draft health study on the effects of PFOS and PFOA. While the release of this study is a welcome step, it is unacceptable that political considerations played any role in its release. The more we learn about these chemicals, the more concerning they become, especially for our most sensitive populations. The EPA must take a careful look at this study, and be prepared to bring the full force of the federal government to prevent any further exposure to these chemicals. That includes implementing a National PFAS Management Plan with an enforceable maximum contaminant level.

Since we’ve first became aware of this contamination, my constituents have been forced to take drastic action, at personal expense, to reduce their exposure to PFOS and PFOA. The federal government caused this public health crisis, and I will continue to hold them accountable to remediating this situation. This draft assessment raises serious concerns. The time is now for the EPA and Department of Defense to step up and act to stop the harm they have caused my constituents.

This draft toxicological profile is now open for public comment where experts, advocates, and stakeholders from all over the nation have the opportunity to comment on the draft. We will continue to maintain a vigilant eye on the process to ensure its completed as thoroughly and expeditiously as possible."

Last month, Fitzpatrick joined fellow Congressman Brendan Boyle to demand the release of the release of the study on the human health effects of PFOS and PFOA that was reportedly suppressed by EPA staff out of concern for negative public relations. Fitzpatrick and Boyle were disappointed at Administrator Pruitt’s lackluster response to their inquiry regarding reports that the EPA purposely suppressed a health effects study related to human exposure to PFAS.