Avoid foam on Michigan bodies of water; it may contain PFAS

Keep away from foam that you could be see gathering on Michigan lakes, rivers and streams this summer season.

That’s in keeping with the Michigan Division of Well being and Human Providers.

Foam can type on any physique of water and might generally have dangerous chemical compounds in it, together with excessive ranges of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), in keeping with MDHHS.

Foam containing  PFAS tends to be vivid white in shade, light-weight and should pile up alongside shores or blow onto seashores.

An MDHHS analysis suggests younger youngsters who come into contact with PFAS-containing foam for a number of hours a day could also be extra prone to unfavourable well being results.

Some research have proven that increased PFAS publicity is linked to increased ldl cholesterol and thyroid illness.

Pure foam with out PFAS is often off-white or brown, usually has an earthy or fishy scent, and tends to pile up in bays, eddies or at river limitations comparable to dams.

For those who are available in contact with foam, MDHHS recommends that you simply rinse off or bathe as quickly as potential. That is very true if the water physique has suspected PFAS contamination. Coming into contact with foam with out rinsing off or bathing can result in unintentionally swallowing foam or foam residue.

The science round PFAS remains to be growing. MDHHS works with native well being departments to subject suggestions and well being advisories for foam on water our bodies. These advisories may be discovered at https://www.michigan.gov/pfasresponse/investigations/lakes-and-streams/foam.

The Michigan Division of Atmosphere, Nice Lakes and Vitality usually receives complaints about foam on a river or lake. This foam may be naturally occurring. For those who suspect PFAS within the foam, you may report it and submit pictures of it at https://miwaters.deq.state.mi.us.

The Michigan Division of Agriculture and Rural Growth additionally recommends that folks don’t enable their animals to return into contact or swallow foam on water our bodies.

If animals are available in contact with foam, they need to be rinsed off and bathed with contemporary water as foam can construct up in animal fur. Animal homeowners with questions ought to contact their veterinarian.

Anybody with questions on publicity to PFAS or foam can name the MDHHS Environmental Well being hotline at 800-648-6942.