Gustavus’ residents offered blood testing for chemicals

JUNEAU, Alaska (AP) – Residents of a Southeast Alaska city will be able to have their blood tested to detect possible chemical contamination.
The Juneau Empire reported Thursday that samples will be taken next week in Gustavus.
Officials say the samples will be sent to Indiana University Bloomington to be analyzed for perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances, collectively called PFAS.
Gustavus PFAS Action Coalition Chair Kelly McLaughlin says she hopes for 40-65 participants in the collection and testing, which will be free to residents.
The Environmental Protection Agency says the man-made chemicals are persistent in the environment. Studies have found links between the contaminants and various illnesses.
Officials say the chemicals have been detected in Gustavus water supplies and the state has distributed drinking water to residents whose water tested above a specific threshold.

Information from: Juneau (Alaska) Empire, http://www.juneauempire.com