LANSING, Mich. (Michigan News Source) – A community-based study by the Ecology Center found that fish sampled from the Rouge and Huron Rivers contained potentially harmful levels of “forever chemicals,” or PFAS. Of the more than 60 fish included in the study, all contained PFAS chemicals concentrated in the muscle, liver, stomach and intestine, and eggs. Levels were high enough to fall under limited consumption recommendations, but not high enough to hit the state mandated “Do Not Eat” threshold.

PFAS is a class of chemicals used to waterproof, stainproof, and heatproof items, including non-stick cookware, waterproof clothing, and firefighting foams. PFAS are known as “forever chemicals” because they do not break down when released into the environment. According to the EPA, exposure to elevated levels of PFAS can result in reproductive abnormalities, developmental delays in children, increased risk of cancer, and a suppressed immune system.

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According to the report, “emerging science from the EPA [shows] that there are effectively no safe levels of PFAS in drinking water,” and PFAS in fish could be just as dangerous. The report urges anglers to exercise caution in fish consumption and to limit their fishing to less polluted rivers and lakes.

Erica Bloom, Toxics Campaign Director, says it’s time to update Michigan’s fish consumption guidelines and PFAS policies. “We need stronger policies and regulations that hold polluters accountable and get PFAS out of our everyday products,” she said in a February press release. “We shouldn’t have to wonder if these fish are safe to eat. We need to get these chemicals out of our water and our food.”

The report concludes with recommendations to penalize polluters for PFAS pollution, continue research on safe PFAS levels, and alert anglers to the possible dangers of fish consumption.

Last month, the EPA announced over $37 million from President Biden’s Infrastructure Law will be dedicated to cleaning up pollutants in drinking water, including PFAS in Michigan.

“Emerging contaminants like PFAS are some of the greatest environmental challenges we are facing,” said Region 5 Administrator Debra Shore. “EPA is helping states and communities prepare for these threats and better protect the drinking water we all depend on.”