For the first time in Michigan’s history, officials have dedicated an entire week to spreading awareness about a group of “forever chemicals” that have become ubiquitous in our environment today.
Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) is an umbrella term for the large group of human-made chemicals used in various industries and manufacturing that have been linked to serious health risks in humans and wildlife, including thyroid disease, liver damage, and increased risk of certain cancers. Because they break down very slowly over time, the chemicals persist in the environment for decades after use, including in Michigan’s water, soil, air, fish, wildlife, and our bodies.
As part of Michigan’s first PFAS Awareness Week, taking place Sept. 21-25, 2026, officials are sharing a ton of resources about how state agencies are working to reduce exposure to harmful PFAS, as well as what Michiganders can do to protect themselves and their families.
While, due to the nature of forever chemicals, exposure is inevitable, here are four steps you can take today to help reduce your risk of adverse health effects:
Test your water
You can’t see, smell or taste PFAS, so the only way to know for sure whether or not they are present in your drinking water is to test a water sample.
PFAS sampling is different than other types of water sampling since they are so persistent in our environment and in everyday products, so using proper sampling guidelines is key to avoid cross contamination.
Water testing is especially important for the over one million Michigan residents with private drinking water wells, as PFAS can easily enter groundwater when products or wastes containing PFAS are disposed of, used, or spilled onto the ground or into nearby lakes and rivers.
For more information about sampling water from a private well, check out this video from the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE).
Check Michigan’s Eat Safe Fish Guide
Michigan has over 11,000 inland lakes, rivers and streams and the longest freshwater coastline in the country. In the 1970s, before regulations like the Clean Water Act of 1972 were enacted to limit pollution in local waterways and ecosystems, many industries released a variety of toxic pollutants (PCBs, dioxins, mercury, PFAS) into our environment which have since bioaccumulated in fish and wildlife.
When humans consume fish from affected water bodies, chemicals in the fish can build up in their bodies as well, which is why the state has developed an Eat Safe Fish Guide to spread awareness about the best ways to minimize health risks.
Most importantly, officials recommend keeping the “3Cs” in mind:
- CHOOSE fish that have fewer chemicals. Smaller fish tend to have fewer chemicals stored in their bodies since they are less likely to feed on larger fish with higher bioaccumulation levels. For the same reason, officials recommend eating fewer larger fish that eat smaller fish (like walleye) and avoiding bottom feeders like catfish, as chemicals can settle into the sediment of water bodies.
- CLEAN the fish to help cut out chemicals. Some chemicals, like PCBs and dioxins, are stored in the fat and organs of fish. By trimming away the dark fatty tissue and the organs, you can reduce your risk of exposure.
- COOK fish in a way that gets rid of more fat. Even after trimming away all the dark fatty tissue, some fat is still hidden inside the filet. To help get rid of chemicals found in the filet, you can try poking holes in the skin (or removing the skin entirely) so the fat can drip away as it cooks. Officials also recommend cooking fish on a grill or broiling it in the oven so the fat can drip away.
For more information about safe fish consumption, check out EGLE’s Eat Safe Fish Guide video.
Avoid foam on surface water
Though it may look harmless to some, foam found on Michigan’s lakes, rivers, and streams can contain harmful bacteria and chemicals, including PFAS.
When the foam contains PFAS, it is usually bright white in color, lightweight, and can pile up along shorelines or blow onto beaches.
While research shows the risk of PFAS entering the body through skin contact is low, state health officials warn that coming into contact with foam contaminated with PFAS could be accidentally swallowed if not rinsed off.
“We advise you to avoid contact with foam if you can, but if you accidentally come into contact with foam, you should rinse off as soon as possible,” said Dr. Natasha Bagdasarian, MDHHS chief medical executive. “Rinsing off in general after water activities is always a good idea.”
Pets should be kept away from foam for the same reasons, according to health officials.
For more information about foam on Michigan’s lakes and waterways, visit the Michigan PFAS Action Response Team’s website.
Reduce the use of certain consumer products
Though it’s impossible to avoid PFAS in our environment due to their pervasive nature, there are certainly steps Michiganders can take to help reduce their exposure.
PFAS can be found in every-day products, from household items like carpeting, cosmetics, cookware and cleaning products to take out containers, waterproofing products and pesticides.
Not only can switching to PFAS-free products decrease daily exposure to PFAS, it can also decrease the amount of PFAS entering the environment.
Here are five easy steps to help minimize exposure in your everyday life:
- Read manufacturer labels before purchasing a new product and ensure to use it as directed
- Throw away scratched or damaged nonstick cookware
- Regularly dust and vacuum your home. Use a vacuum with a HEPA filter to further reduce PFAS exposure
- Regularly wash your hands, especially before preparing food
- Avoid putting your hands in your mouth before washing them
For a more extensive list of consumer products that contain PFAS, click here.
