Parents worry about children's exposure to potentially dangerous - Boston News, Weather, Sports | FOX 25 | MyFoxBoston

PORTSMOUTH, N.H. (MyFoxBoston.com) - As many New Hampshire residents receive the results of their blood tests for a potentially harmful drinking water contaminant, others are still anxiously awaiting their results.

Last year, the Environmental Protection Agency found perfluorochemicals (PFCs) at a rate of ten times what is recommended in the water of the city-owned Haven well at Pease International Tradeport, a former U.S. Air Force base in Portsmouth, N.H. The city immediately shut down the well, which officials say had been contaminated by firefighting foam used on the base years ago.

Medical experts, including the state epidemiologist, say the link between PFCs and health issues is inconclusive, but that the chemicals stay in the human body for years.

Some researchers believe the contaminants can lead to cancer and fertility issues. 

Some of the more than 9,000 people who work at the industrial complex and send their kids to Pease daycare  received the results of their blood tests from the state this week and last.

"It showed that all three of my family members have high levels of PFCs in their blood," said Andrea Amico, who organized a group of community members to share information about the mysterious chemical and possible health issues. "The fear of the unknown, not knowing what that's going to mean for them medically."

Amico's husband worked on Pease until last week, and her children go to daycare there. 

"I'm scared that this could possibly impact his health long term," said Alayna Davis, mother to a five-year-old boy who has been going to a Pease daycare since he was a baby. "Ten years down the line, he could have an issue that could be related to him consuming water for five years."

But Jennifer Horton, whose husband works on Pease and whose children attend the daycare as well, still has not received her kids' results.

"To find out that there could be fertility issues down the road or cancer down the road, and it all being because of these chemicals is the scariest part," Horton said. "It's the unknown."

The state is now offering a second round of blood testing.

The moms believe both the city and the Air Force are to blame for their families' exposure to the chemicals.

Brian Goetz, Portsmouth's deputy public works director, said the responsibility is shared on "multiple fronts." The city is providing information to those who have been affected while drawing water from other sources to meet demands, he said.

Residents are concerned, however, about two remaining Pease wells that are still being utilized. That water has tested positive for PFCs but at a level that the EPA considers normal.

"Very minimal amounts at the moment. It's something we're able to track how much is in there," Goetz said. "They're being monitored. They're being sampled every week."

Major Melissa Milner at the Air Force Press Desk said Monday that the firefighting agent that was used was meant for good, but "sometimes there are negative things that happen."

"It was unknown at the time," Milner said, when asked whether the Air Force should have reported a problem years ago. "PFCs are an 'emerging contaminant.' It's being discovered right now."

Milner added that the Air Force has been testing water and surveying about 750 nearby properties.

"Protecting human health is our priority," Milner said.

Air Force representatives will meet with public officials and community members at a City of Portsmouth Community Advisory Board meeting at City Hall at 6:30 p.m. on Wednesday.

Community members and officials will likely discuss a registry for those affected by the contamination in order to communicate and educate members. 

To request a blood test for PFC, call the Department of Health and Human Services at 603-271-9461.