PFAS Water Contaminations: Michigan Health Officials Offers Warning

By Lee Watson

What may be Michigan’s most significant environmental crisis in 40 years is visualized in the white foamy water in many of the state’s rivers and lakes. Known as polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), the foam is a is a manufactured substance found in mini household items including the coating of fast food containers such as paper cups and pizza boxes to keep grease from seeping. Michigan has the highest PFAS contaminated sites in the country.

Recently, authorities have warned the public not to engage in water in which a white foam substance is present, and it is possibly PFAS residue. PFAS exposure is linked to many health ailments, including cancer, thyroid disease, infertility, abnormal fetal development, and childhood behavioral issues. Ingesting the foam can make a person feel sick immediately. If PFAS were to penetrate the drink water system, it would be resistant to boil water advisories, however certain home filtration systems can remove harmful contaminants from the drinking water. Filtering PFAS from Municipal water systems could likely result in higher water rates and could present an additional expense burden for those currently having difficulty affording water service. Michigan already has the highest water rates in the country. Legislation has been introduced to combat PFAS contamination.

More information about Michigan’s response to the PFAS issue:  https://www.michigan.gov/pfasresponse