Keep up with PFAS-related developments in the Great Lakes area with Great Lakes Now’s biweekly headline roundup.
Click on the headline to read the full story:
Illinois
Military investigators make disturbing discovery at O’Hare and Midway airports: ‘It’s there forever‘ — The Cool Down
For years, Chicago and military firefighters used a firefighting foam known as AFFF, which contains toxic PFAS. Though the foam is being phased out, it already has contaminated groundwater beneath both airports.
Michigan
Survey shows 77% of Americans don’t know about PFAS dangers — WOOD TV
A survey conducted by researchers at Texas A&M University found that 45% of Americans had never heard of PFAS and 77% don’t know what the chemical compound is or the health risks it presents.
Ohio
PFAS resource guide: How to protect yourself from ‘forever chemicals’ in Ohio — Ideastream Public Media
The wide use of PFAS means that the chemicals are found everywhere, including in our bodies. Federal and state regulation around PFAS contamination and cleanup is not yet finalized, so for now, the best defense against the chemicals is to stay informed about where they are and how to avoid them.
Scientists found PFAS in Ohio fish. Are they safe to eat? — Ideastream Public Media
A new report found fish from Ohio’s lakes and rivers tested positive for forever chemicals. Now the state is studying the issue.
Ohio Reaches $110 Million Settlement with DuPont — EHS Daily Advisor
The state of Ohio recently reached a settlement of $110 million with The Chemours Co., Dupont De Nemours Inc., and Corteva Inc. to resolve legal claims of chemical contamination dating back 70 years from the company’s Parkersburg, West Virginia, facility, Washington Works.
Ontario
Regulation of ‘Forever Chemicals’ in Canada — Osler, Hoskin & Harcourt LLP
PFAS are increasingly of interest to environmental regulators — in Canada, and abroad. Recently, the Canadian government announced its intention to designate PFAS as a class of toxic substances opening the door to further regulatory restrictions on the manufacture, use, sale and import of products containing PFAS.
Wisconsin
Wisconsin funds for PFAS contamination in limbo — Iron Mountain Daily News
At the start of 2023, Gov. Tony Evers proposed spending more than $100 million to address pollution from PFAS. Months later, Republican lawmakers called for even more money, voting to create a $125 million trust fund to address PFAS contamination as part of the current two-year budget, which Evers signed.
Local Water Data Scientist focuses on “forever chemicals” at MMWC’s Networking Brunch — Wisconsin Muslim Journal
Each month the Milwaukee Muslim Women’s Coalition holds a networking brunch, often with a speaker discussing issues of interest to Milwaukee Muslims and the wider community. This month scientist Zahra Saeed will address a topic of universal concern, the chemicals that are polluting our water.
Building a Better Response to PFAS Contamination — Universities of Wisconsin
AJ Jeninga was hired as the first-ever emerging contaminant outreach specialist at the University of Wisconsin – Extension’s Natural Resources Institute. She works with the community and local health departments to build a better response to PFAS contamination.
National
The race to destroy the toxic ‘forever chemicals’ polluting our world — The Guardian
As countries work to ban more and more PFAS, focus is shifting to how to remove the ones already out there.
‘Forever Chemicals’ Contaminate America’s Freshwater Fish — Kaiser Health News
Gone fishing? Depending on the lake, your catch may not be safe to eat.
It Turns Out Paper Straws Might Pose a Serious Problem Too : ScienceAlert — Quick Telecast
Paper straws are not quite the eco solution many had hoped for. Not only do these liquid slurping alternatives tend to wilt in a frustratingly fast manner, they contain low levels of forever chemicals, according to new research.
EPA Requires Toxics Release Inventory Reporting for Seven Additional PFAS — Environmental Protection Agency
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency announced the automatic addition of seven per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances to the list of chemicals covered by the Toxics Release Inventory.
In utero exposure to PFAS affects the unborn child, study suggests — News Medical
PFAS are chemicals that may cause cancer, diabetes, and other diseases. Research from Örebro University and the University of Aberdeen now suggests that these chemicals affect people as early as the fetal stage of development.
“Forever Chemicals” Are Crisscrossing in the Arctic Ocean — Technology Networks
“Forever chemicals” are stuck in a loop in the Arctic Ocean, according to a new study.
EPA finalizes new rules for companies producing toxic PFAS chemicals — WHYY
Companies must now notify the EPA if they want to resume the production of certain PFAS chemicals.
When is a little ‘forever chemical’ too much to eat? — Bay Journal
“Forever chemicals” are showing up almost everywhere they’re looked for, it seems – including in fish.
The Hidden Danger of PFAS Exposure and Its Link to Inflammatory Bowel Disease — Medriva
Learn about the concerning association between PFAS exposure and inflammatory bowel disease and the new EPA regulations for PFAS production.
House lawmakers propose bill that would compensate military firefighters exposed to cancer-causing chemicals — Stars and Stripes
Two House lawmakers have proposed legislation to compensate military service members who were possibly exposed to cancer or other illnesses from chemicals used in fire retardants.
PFAS guide: what these ‘forever chemicals’ are and how they make their way into our waterways — Country File
Heard about PFAS but don’t know what they are or how they make their way into our waterways? The wildlife charity Whale and Dolphin Conservation explains.
Catch more news at Great Lakes Now:
PFAS News Roundup: ‘Forever chemicals’ awareness lacking among U.S. adults
PFAS News Roundup: Ohio settles with DuPont over PFAS liability for $110 million
