PFAS

A recent study found that PFAS - or toxic “forever chemicals” - in Lake Michigan coho salmon, chinook salmon, lake trout, and rainbow trout can accumulate and be passed down to fish embryos.

Reporter Teresa Homsi shares information on the latest PFAS research and management strategies after attending the 2022 Great Lakes PFAS Summit.

Oscoda residents were invited last week to tour the air force’s water treatment systems for PFAS chemicals at the former Wurtsmith Air Force Base. But the event drew mixed reactions from the very people the military was trying to win over.

Oscoda has five health advisories that warn of PFAS contamination in drinking water, venison, small game, fish, and foam. After years of community advocacy, health officials are now offering residents free blood tests for PFAS.

Exactly one year ago, the EPA announced its PFAS Strategic Roadmap. The roadmap set goals to address PFAS at the federal level. So far, most of the agencies involved have held up their promises, but there’s still more work ahead.

A bill to help reduce the spread of PFAS chemicals at airports is awaiting President Biden’s signature. The measure was introduced by Michigan Senator Gary Peters and would help commercial airports reduce the spread of these “forever chemicals.”

A federal judge has given preliminary approval to a $54 million settlement to homeowners affected by PFAS contamination in northern Kent County.

The EPA has issued what some call “historic wins” in addressing PFAS in just the last few months.

In another federal move to regulate PFAS, the EPA announced this morning two “toxic forever chemicals” should be declared hazardous substances.

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.