Latest news with #PFAS-tainted
Yahoo
16-04-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Officials stunned after discovering source of dangerous contamination in town's drinking water: 'It's a terrible situation'
State officials investigating the source of toxic chemicals in residential wells in the town of Cadillac, Michigan, found that common household products may be contaminating residents' drinking water. As Bridge Michigan reported, ever since residents discovered PFAS, or perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances, in their private wells after getting their water tested, they've been anxiously awaiting answers from the state about the cause of the pollution. Many believed the dangerous chemicals had come from the Cadillac Industrial Park near their homes, as the community has spent decades cleaning up volatile organic compounds and hexavalent chromium that leached into groundwater from local manufacturers. But after officials tested water from 70 wells near the park, they discovered a surprising probable culprit behind the town's tainted water: everyday household products, such as shaving cream, laundry detergent, toilet paper, and shampoo. All these items contain PFAS, and when residents and local businesses flush them down the drain, they enter septic systems and contaminate liquids from the sewage. Eventually, these toxic chemicals leach into groundwater. While officials haven't definitively identified household products as the cause of the contaminated wells, they believe it's the most plausible explanation since most tests "lacked any clear link to the industrial park," noted Bridge Michigan. "We're not seeing that smoking gun, so to speak," Abigail Hendershott, executive director of the Michigan PFAS Action Response Team at the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy, told the news outlet. However, she noted that heavy industry rather than septic systems likely polluted the wells in the industrial park's immediate vicinity. "It's a terrible situation," added City Manager Marcus Peccia. "And it's a situation in which Cadillac is absolutely not unique." Since PFAS are extremely pervasive and persistent in the environment, they can take hundreds of years to break down. As they build up in groundwater that residents rely on for drinking and cleaning, they can cause numerous health problems. How often do you worry about the quality of your drinking water? Never Sometimes Often Always Click your choice to see results and speak your mind. PFAS have been linked to a range of conditions, including cancer, thyroid disease, poor immunity, reproductive disorders, and developmental delays. With so many homes in the same area relying on untreated water from private wells, it can lead to a shocking level of PFAS exposure since thousands of household products contain the chemicals, per a University of Queensland study. "These are a very large class of chemicals, and very few of them have been regulated for safety before they got out onto the market," Erica Bloom, the Ann Arbor-based Ecology Center's toxics campaign director, told Bridge Michigan. The state is distributing water filters to residents with PFAS-tainted wells, and Cadillac is seeking funds to cover the cost of switching residents to city water. Officials have also urged residents to get their wells tested for PFAS through a certified lab. In addition, households can limit the amount of PFAS entering their septic systems by shopping for PFAS-free products. However, this takes dedication since the chemicals are in a vast array of products and at times aren't clearly labeled. Michigan's Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy provided the town of Pellston, which also had high concentrations of PFAS in water samples, with a grant to research and develop alternative water supplies. Perhaps something similar can be done for Cadillac residents until a more permanent solution is found. Companies are working on removing PFAS from wastewater using new technology. The system is affordable and scalable, so it's possible it could be used to treat contaminated water in septic systems. Join our free newsletter for easy tips to save more and waste less, and don't miss this cool list of easy ways to help yourself while helping the planet.
Yahoo
08-04-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Officials face backlash after alarming levels of toxic chemicals found in residential wells: 'A growing concern in the area'
Perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances — also known as PFAS, or forever chemicals — were detected in 19 residential wells near Jackson County Airport in Michigan. However, while concerning, officials said the chemicals found were within allowable limits for PFAS in drinking water. According to MLive, last spring, the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy tested wells in two residential areas near airports or industrial sites — likely sources of forever chemicals. Scott Dean, an EGLE spokesperson, told the news outlet that samples revealed "traces of the PFBS, PFHxA, PFHxS and PFOA compounds of PFAS, all in amounts under the Safe Drinking Water Act's maximum contaminant levels." Jackson County Airport manager Juan Zapata said PFAS-laden aqueous film-forming foams used to contain fires at the airport could've leached into the nearby wells. However, no records show the airport used firefighting foams containing forever chemicals, so EGLE believes the contamination is coming from another source. Whatever the cause of the PFAS pollution, residents are on edge, especially since around 2 million Michiganders are already estimated to have some amount of the chemicals in their drinking water, according to a 2019 report by MLive. "PFAS is a word and name you're going to hear all around Jackson," Jackson County health officer Kristin Pluta said. "It's a growing concern in the area." Long-term exposure to PFAS-tainted drinking water has been linked to serious health problems, including various cancers, reduced fertility, thyroid disease, asthma, and developmental delays. PFAS are called forever chemicals because they're practically indestructible, remaining in the environment for decades or even centuries. They also accumulate over time in the human body, which can lead to chronic disease. And because tap water from private wells is not regulated or treated by officials, residents who rely on groundwater are especially at risk of developing health problems. Do you worry about having toxic forever chemicals in your home? Majorly Sometimes Not really I don't know enough about them Click your choice to see results and speak your mind. Studies show that nearly 100 million people across the United States could unknowingly be drinking water contaminated with PFAS. Michigan and Florida are estimated to have the highest populations of well users affected. PFAS also pollute waterways, soil, and the air, contributing to environmental damage. In addition, the chemicals can disrupt ecosystems and harm wildlife. Jackson County commissioners approved a PFAS response grant to fund public education campaigns about the risks of forever chemicals and special water filters for PFAS-affected homeowners. However, Dean told MLive this is a temporary solution; a permanent fix would be to connect impacted homes to the city's water supply. EGLE will continue to monitor residential areas near airports and industrial zones where PFAS contamination is likely the highest. The state department is also working to remove the toxic chemicals from drinking water in northwest Michigan, where water samples showed dangerous levels in some private wells. In addition, the Environmental Protection Agency established new regulations requiring polluters to pay for PFAS remediation at more than 700 military sites across the U.S., including several in Michigan. To limit exposure to these harmful chemicals, invest in nonstick cookware and use natural cleaning products, such as baking soda and vinegar. Join our free newsletter for good news and useful tips, and don't miss this cool list of easy ways to help yourself while helping the planet.
