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PFAS News Roundup: West Michigan is showing PFAS levels higher than the national average

PFAS News Roundup: West Michigan is showing PFAS levels higher than the national average
May 3, 2023 Kathy Johnson, Great Lakes Now

PFAS, short for per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, are a group of widespread man-made chemicals that don’t break down in the environment or the human body and have been flagged as a major contaminant in sources of water across the country.

Keep up with PFAS-related developments in the Great Lakes area.

Click on the headline to read the full story:

Illinois

According to a new analysis by the ABC 7 Data Team, at least 143 million Americans are possibly drinking, bathing and cleaning with tap water from water systems where some level of these chemicals has been detected.

 

Indiana

Indiana is close to creating two laws that aim to draw attention to the health risks firefighters face from PFAS. These bills won’t remove potentially dangerous PFAS chemicals from firefighter clothing, but lawmakers and firefighter advocates hope it will be a step toward that.

Thousands of Hoosiers could be drinking water contaminated with toxic PFAS potentially increasing their risk of developing cancer, liver damage and other health problems. Testing found 13 different PFAS chemicals in treated water from the systems, some at levels above those deemed safe by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.

 

Michigan

According to Bridge Michigan, dozens of Michigan bodies of water currently have fish under PFAS contamination advisories.

The site of a former sewage lagoon system has been identified as a PFAS pollution site by the Michigan PFAS Action Response Team.

Michigan Department of Environmental Quality tested high amounts of PFAS in the City of Parchment’s water system affecting thousands of households’ drinking water.

 

Minnesota

The Minnesota House passed the state’s largest-ever investment in natural resources and the environment, including legislation that prohibits PFAS. They can be toxic and are found in everyday products like cookware and cosmetics.

 

Ohio

Although the touting of Ohio fishing reasonably ramps up this time of year, like cigarette packaging it probably should come with a health warning.

 

Wisconsin

Wisconsin is set to receive around $139 million to upgrade drinking water infrastructure later this year, and more than half of that money will go toward replacing lead service lines.

The DNR is once again listing Tyco as noncompliant after the company halted its investigation into PFAS on farms. Tyco previously discharged firefighting foam that contained PFAS to the city’s sewer system, and data from 2017 and 2018 showed the sewage sludge …

The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources is hosting two listening sessions on May 3 to share updates and seek public input on PFAS contamination in the city of Marinette, the town of Peshtigo and surrounding communities. These listening sessions are the 19th in a series of public input opportunities hosted by the DNR for area residents.

 

National

A lot of products contain toxic PFAS. Some of these “forever chemicals” are ending up in sewage that is turned into fertilizer.

Today’s announcement highlights EPA’s commitment to transparency and the use of the best available science to tackle PFAS pollution.

PFAS are called forever chemicals because of their tough durability and difficulty breaking down in the environment.

PFAS are known to cause serious health issues and are seeping into America’s water supply, endangering millions of people who have been using the …

An ABC News analysis of reported PFAS water contamination found that 43% of U.S. ZIP codes have had at least one water source where PFAS contamination was detected over the past 20 years.


PFAS News Roundup: Questions about the EPA’s nationwide PFAS rule, answered

PFAS News Roundup: All fish tested from Michigan rivers contain ‘forever chemicals’, study finds

 

2 Comments

  1. Dave Hinson 1 year ago

    Thank you for providing an informative update on the PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances) levels in West Michigan and the concerning finding that the levels are higher than the national average. The issue of PFAS contamination is of great concern and requires urgent attention to safeguard the health of both human communities and the environment.

    The presence of elevated PFAS levels in West Michigan is a matter that should not be taken lightly. These persistent chemicals have been linked to numerous health risks and can have detrimental effects on both wildlife and ecosystems. It is essential that comprehensive measures are taken to address this contamination and prevent further spread.

    I commend the efforts of organizations, government agencies, and communities that are actively working to monitor and mitigate the impact of PFAS contamination. It is crucial to raise awareness about the potential risks associated with PFAS and advocate for strong regulations to limit their use and release into the environment.

    Additionally, the collaboration between different stakeholders, such as scientists, policymakers, and local communities, is vital in developing effective strategies for remediation and prevention. The sharing of information, like the PFAS news roundup you have provided, plays a significant role in keeping the public informed and engaged in the ongoing efforts to address this issue.

    I encourage continued monitoring and research into PFAS contamination in West Michigan and other regions affected by this problem. It is through the combined efforts of scientific research, community engagement, and policy action that we can work towards cleaner and safer environments for all.

    Thank you once again for shedding light on this important issue and for your commitment to raising awareness about PFAS contamination and its impact on the Great Lakes region.

  2. Jacoby Johnson 1 year ago

    I recently came across your article on the PFAS levels in West Michigan, and I wanted to express my concern about the situation. It is disheartening to learn that the PFAS levels in this region are higher than the national average. PFAS contamination poses significant risks to both human health and the environment, and it’s essential that we address this issue promptly and effectively.

    The fact that West Michigan is experiencing elevated PFAS levels underscores the urgent need for comprehensive monitoring, mitigation, and remediation efforts. It is crucial to identify the sources of contamination and implement measures to prevent further pollution. Additionally, informing and engaging the affected communities is vital to ensure their voices are heard, and their health and well-being are safeguarded.

    I commend Great Lakes Now for shedding light on this important issue and raising awareness among the public. Through responsible journalism and accurate reporting, you play a crucial role in advocating for solutions and holding relevant stakeholders accountable. It is only by working together that we can drive meaningful change and protect the health and integrity of our precious Great Lakes.

    Furthermore, I encourage continued coverage of ongoing research, policy developments, and community initiatives aimed at addressing PFAS contamination. It is essential to keep the public informed about the progress being made, as well as the challenges that lie ahead. By sharing these stories, you empower individuals and communities to take action and contribute to the collective effort in combating PFAS pollution.

    In conclusion, I want to express my gratitude to Great Lakes Now for your dedication to reporting on critical environmental issues, such as PFAS contamination in West Michigan. Your commitment to raising awareness and advocating for change is commendable, and I believe it will inspire others to get involved in protecting our precious water resources. Let us work together to ensure a safer and healthier future for the Great Lakes region.

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