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:
Indiana:
A new bill was recently proposed in Indiana’s Statehouse, which could allow firefighters to have access to annual blood testing in order to monitor their PFA levels. This program would be a method in which researchers could study the long-term effects of PFA exposure in firefighters. Both airport and municipal departments would be represented in this study, and five different locations would be monitored. This program would be funded by the Centers for Disease Control’s biomonitoring grant.
Michigan:
A Michigan farm’s cattle were recently found to contain dangerous levels of PFAs. This was discovered through sewage sludge testing. Activists are pushing for stricter PFA testing to prevent further forms of contamination and PFA exposure to the general public.
Minnesota:
- 3M to spend $165 million on water upgrades at Minnesota plant – PlantServices
The company 3M is investing $165 million into water quality improvements at their Minnesota plant. This plant has dealt with PFA contamination in the past, and the company hopes to utilize these updates to further improve overall water quality in the state.
Pennsylvania:
- Cancer causing ‘forever chemicals’ in Pa. deer? Tests in Bucks County aim to find out, report says – PennLive
The Pennsylvania Game Commission is currently testing deer in Bucks County to understand their PFA levels. If these values are too high, the meat would be unsafe for individuals to consume. Results are projected to come out some time in the near future.
Wisconsin:
Later this month, Wisconsin’s Natural Resources Board plans to enact measurements that would regulate the PFA levels in the state’s waters. PFAs have been found in over 50 sites within the state. The Board also plans on implementing routine monitoring systems to further track PFA levels, and a meeting is scheduled to take place Feb. 23.
Catch more news at Great Lakes Now:
Toxic ‘forever chemicals’ found in Michigan farm’s beef
New study says elevated levels of PFAS found in anti-fogging sprays and cloths
Featured image: Foam on the Rogue River at Rockford is a tell-tale sign of PFAS contamination. (Photo Credit: Lester Graham/Michigan Radio)
