Also uncertain is if there is such thing as a ‘safe’ level of GenX exposure, what level may be needed to result in cancer in humans, and the length of time after exposure for cancer to appear in humans. In addition, it is not known if there is a certain GenX exposure amount or level needed to cause cancer, and how long after any such exposure it would take to cause cancer.

GenX was introduced as a replacement for C8 in 2009, after a massive class-action lawsuit was brought forth by those who had been exposed to C8 and diagnosed with certain cancers or reproductive problems as a result.

While the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) permitted DuPont to produce this new chemical, they noted that GenX appeared to exhibit many of the same risks as C8.

Chemically speaking, both C8 and GenX consist of a chain of carbon-fluorine bonds.  The difference between the two is that GenX has an extra oxygen atom attached to this chain, which is supposed to make the compound less persistent and provide a shorter half-life, however, GenX is still not biodegradable.

While DuPont touts GenX as much safer than C8, they have filed 16 reports of “substantial risk of injury to health or the environment” with the EPA concerning GenX.

Is your drinking supply at risk?  Has your family been exposed?