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Study Finds Elevated PFCs In Twin Cities Residents

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Jul 9, 2009 12:23 pm US/Central

Study Finds Elevated PFCs In Twin Cities Residents

ST. PAUL (AP) ― A study by the Minnesota Health Department finds that residents of the eastern part of the Twin Cities have been exposed to chemicals legally dumped decades ago in east metro landfills.

The department said Thursday it found slightly elevated levels of three perfluorochemicals, or PFCs, in east metro residents who agreed to participate in the study.

Half the participants' homes were served by private wells in Lake Elmo and Cottage Grove. The other half were served by the Oakdale municipal water system.

The health effects of PFCs on the general population are largely unknown, but studies on 3M workers exposed to PFCs during manufacturing show no harmful effects.

More details will be presented at public meetings in Lake Elmo and Cottage Grove in two weeks.

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3M made perfluourochemicals or PFCs for more than 50 years at its plant along the Mississippi River. The Minnesota Department of health is tracking some area residents for possible health problems and monitoring the effectiveness of water filters installed in homes.

(© 2009 CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. The Associated Press contributed to this report.)

© MMIX, CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved.