[Pharmwaste] PFC in birds

[Catherine Zimmer]

Hi Everyone,
A few weeks back Allen Gilliam from AL DEQ reported on the USGS studies 
regarding the presence of PFC (perflourinated compounds) in birds.  PFC are 
used in the manufacture of many products, including foaming alcohol hand 
rubs, such as Ecolab's Huntington, used in many healthcare facilities.

Here in MN, we have been particularly aware of PFC pollution because 3M is 
headquartered here and they were one of the first manufacturers of PFC--e.g. 
in Teflon.  They voluntarily quit making PFC in early 2000s, but not until 
we found PFC in drinking water sources.  To date thousands of households are 
still drinking bottled water.  The pollution has spread from east St. Paul 
to lakes in the western part of Minneapolis, and probably much further.

>From an environmental health perspective, it is best for healthcare 
facilities to use non PFC (e.g. non foaming) hand rubs, e.g. gel types such 
as Purell.

I requested copies of the full report from Christine Custer at USGS.  Here 
is her contact info if you'd like them as well:

Christine M. Custer
ccuster at usgs.gov
USGS - Upper Midwest Environmental Sciences Center
2630 Fanta Reed Rd.
La Crosse, WI  54603
608 781-6247 (phone)


Very truly yours,

Catherine Zimmer, MS, BSMT
Principal
Zimmer Environmental Improvement LLC
Ph: 651.645.7509