A panel of scientists is offering more findings into possible links between a chemical used to produce Teflon and public health issues.

The three-scientist panel reported Thursday that it has found evidence that could connect the chemical C8 to birth defects and high blood pressure in pregnant women.

The C8 Science Panel also said that babies whose mothers had high levels of C8 in their blood were 70 percent more likely to have birth defects.

But the scientists played down the findings, calling them "weak relationships." They said the findings support the need for more studies.

The court-appointed panel is looking at blood samples and health histories of some 70,000 Mid-Ohio Valley residents who live near DuPont's Washington Works chemical plant.