With summer approaching, the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services recommends Michigan residents and visitors avoid foam on Michigan lakes, rivers, streams and other surface waters.
Foam can form on any body of water. It can be white, off-white or brown; have an earthy or fishy scent; and pile up in bays, eddies, dams or other river barriers.
Sometimes foam can contain harmful chemicals or bacteria. This can include high levels of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS). Some studies have found that high exposure to some PFAS is linked to high cholesterol and liver damage, among other health effects.
For those who happen to touch any foam, they rinse off or bathe as soon as possible. This is especially true if the water is suspected to be contaminated with PFAS. Touching foam without rinsing off or bathing can lead to accidentally swallowing foam and its contents.
The Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development also recommends people keep their animals from touching or swallowing foam on bodies of water. Animals can swallow foam that has built up in their fur when grooming themselves. If animals touch foam, they should be rinsed off and bathed with fresh water. Pet owners with questions related to animals and foam should contact their veterinarian.
Anyone with questions about exposure to PFAS or foam can call the MDHHS Environmental Health Hotline at 800-648-6942.
Additional information about PFAS on surface water is available at www.michigan.gov/pfasresponse/faq/categories/pfas-foam-on-lakes-and-streams.
Foam can form on any body of water. It can be white, off-white or brown; have an earthy or fishy scent; and pile up in bays, eddies, dams or other river barriers.
Sometimes foam can contain harmful chemicals or bacteria. This can include high levels of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS). Some studies have found that high exposure to some PFAS is linked to high cholesterol and liver damage, among other health effects.
For those who happen to touch any foam, they rinse off or bathe as soon as possible. This is especially true if the water is suspected to be contaminated with PFAS. Touching foam without rinsing off or bathing can lead to accidentally swallowing foam and its contents.
The Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development also recommends people keep their animals from touching or swallowing foam on bodies of water. Animals can swallow foam that has built up in their fur when grooming themselves. If animals touch foam, they should be rinsed off and bathed with fresh water. Pet owners with questions related to animals and foam should contact their veterinarian.
Anyone with questions about exposure to PFAS or foam can call the MDHHS Environmental Health Hotline at 800-648-6942.
Additional information about PFAS on surface water is available at www.michigan.gov/pfasresponse/faq/categories/pfas-foam-on-lakes-and-streams.
