Despite report about drinking water, New Hampshire says town’s cancer rate is consistent with the rest of state

CONCORD, N.H. (AP) — The state Health Department says cancer incidence rates for residents in a New Hampshire town with readings of potentially cancer-causing chemicals in drinking water are consistent with the rest of the state.

The report was produced based on concerns in Merrimack about the potential health effects of environmental exposure to low levels of perfluorooctanic acid, or PFOA, in the Merrimack Village District public water supply and possible health impacts.

Health officials said Friday they compared the occurrence of 26 different types of cancer in Merrimack with cancer rates in the rest of the state. Based on cancer registry data, officials haven’t found elevated numbers of various cancers in Merrimack.

The department says it will continue to monitor rates of cancer in Merrimack and share any new developments with residents and local and state officials.