C8 Science Panel: probable link to colitis, thyroid disease - WOWK 13 Charleston, Huntington WV News, Weather, Sports

C8 Science Panel concludes probable link to colitis, thyroid disease

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By Andrea Lannom - email

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In six probable link reports released July 30, the C8 Science Panel determined there is a probable link between C8 exposure and ulcerative colitis and thyroid disease.

However, the Science Panel also concluded there is no probable link between C8 exposure and other autoimmune diseases, common infections, neurodevelopmental disorders in children, respiratory disease or stroke.

The reports stem from a 2005 settlement approved in a class action lawsuit involving the release of the chemical perfluorooctanoic acid from DuPont's Washington Works.

The settlement created the panel, which is composed of three scientists from London, Atlanta and Providence, R.I., to study the effects of C8.

According to the autoimmune disease report, the panel concluded a probable link to ulcerative colitis based on "the strong positive trend in the main analyses and a similar but slightly weaker trend in prospective analyses based on a small number of cases."

The panel did not find a probable link to Chron's disease, rheumatoid arthritis, Type I diabetes, lupus or multiple sclerosis.

Another report filed July 30 stated the panel's conclusion of a probable link between C8 exposure and thyroid disease.

According to the report, the study showed evidence of an association to hyperthyroidism among females in the main and prospective analyses and hypothyroidism among females in prospective analyses only.

The panel stated although there were "indications" of higher risk in the middle C8 exposure range, there was no evidence of a positive trend of stroke with higher C8 exposure in either main or prospective studies.

In its neurodevelopmental disorder report, the Science Panel stated it assessed IQ, reading/math skills, language memory and learning; visual/spatial processing and attention. The report states C8 exposure was associated with a "modest increase in IQ" comparing highest to lowest exposure quartiles. The report states there was no consistent pattern, however.

Also, the report states there was no connection between exposure and reading/math skills or neuropsychological functioning.