Elevated number of kidney cancer cases in Southern El Paso County

A study conducted by the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment found an increased number of kidney cancer cases in Southern El Paso County.

CDPHE conducted the study following the discovery of Perfluorinated compounds (PFCs) in Security, Widefield and Fountain water. PFCs have been used for decades as an ingredient in heat-resistant products. PFCs are found in firefighting foam and coating additives.

Researchers say overall, they do not know a lot about the health effects of PFCs. Other studies show a possible link, but not a cause-and-effect relationship between PFCs and low birth weight, thyroid disease, immune system effects and kidney and testicular cancer.

The study found there is no significant difference in the percentage of low weight births in the area impacted by PFCs in the water.

Data did show there was a statistically higher than expected number of kidney cancers in the PFC area. However, the study said the majority of the increase may be explained by higher risks of smoking and obesity in the PFC area compared to the non-PFC area.

A study conducted by the Environmental Protection Agency found high levels of PFCs in Security, Widefield and Fountain water supplies. Months after the results became known, the EPA lowered the health advisory. All of Security’s wells are out of compliance. Fountain is now only using water from the Pueblo Reservoir, which is free of PFCs. Both Security and Widefield said they have to use a blend of water sources to keep up with demand so customers are still exposed to PFCs.

Peterson Air Force Base is looking into whether its firefighting foam is responsible for contaminating the drinking water. The base announced on Tuesday it has awarded a $4.3 million rapid response contract as an interim measure to evaluate and treat PFC-contaminated water in Security, Widefield and Fountain. The money will be used to evaluate affected potable water systems and develop short-term treatment solutions.

CDPHE will continue to monitor birth and cancer outcomes over time in the areas of El Paso County impacted by PFCs.

Tomorrow, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment, U.S. Air Force, El Paso County Public Health and representatives of public water systems in Security, Widefield, and Fountain will be available to give information about drinking water and answer questions from residents. It will be from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. at Mesa Ridge High School Auditorium, 6070 Mesa Ridge Parkway.

Click here for a link to the full report: https://www.colorado.gov/pacific/sites/default/files/PFC%20BWCancer_Final.pdf