Demystifying PFAS

The toxic “forever chemicals” known as PFAS are not regulated at the federal level - at least not yet. The political will to act on these emerging contaminants is changing.

Plasma may seem like a tool of science fiction. But at a lab at Michigan State University, researchers are using the fourth state of matter to destroy PFAS.

The EPA’s new health advisories show that essentially no levels of PFAS are safe in drinking water.

The new safety limits for PFAS chemicals in drinking water are low - far lower than most lab equipment can detect. Some experts have concerns that communities may not trust when these forever chemicals show as “not detected” in their drinking water.

On the surface, Van Etten Lake looks just like any other lake in Northern Michigan.Except on the beach, there’s a sign posted by the Michigan Department of Health. It warns swimmers to avoid foam because it “may” contain PFAS.