Official Says Residents Affected By Water Crisis Breathing Carcinogen When Showering [View all]

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Source: WCHS

A West Virginia official said that some residents in areas affected by the water crisis are breathing formaldehyde when showering.

Scott Simonton, an Environmental Quality Board official, told a state legislative panel Wednesday that the crude MCHM that spilled into the Elk River from Freedom industries Charleston facility can break down into formaldehyde.

Formaldehyde is a carcinogen and is more toxic when inhaled. Simonton said the breakdown can happen in the shower. He called respiratory cancer the biggest risk with breathing in the chemical.

Initial testing at Vandalia Grille in Charleston showed traces of the chemical. Other testing showed no traces of formaldehyde, but samples are still being processed.


Read more: http://wchstv.com/newsroom/eyewitness/140129_22795.shtml