Autoplay:Play Video0:00 0:00: 0%: 0%LIVE -0:00 HARRISON TOWNSHIP, Mich. – Tests performed by environmental regulators show contamination flowing from Selfridge Air National Guard Base into the Clinton River and Lake St. Clair.
The findings show Selfridge is a source for PFAS in the lake, a drinking water source for several communities.
The base was among many to use a PFAS-laden foam for training and firefighting.
That could include placing activated carbon filters at outfalls.
State officials say credible research shows the substances pose health risks.
Spokesperson for the Michigan Department of Environmental Quality Scott Dean says they are actively testing 1,380 waters systems in Michigan for PFAS, as well as 461 schools.
He says the biggest concern is for people who use well water.
“We recommend people you know that have private wells to be very diligent in testing their wells for any form of contaminate,” said Dean.
Exposure to PFAS FPAS contamination may be in drinking water, food, indoor dust, some consumer products and workplaces, but the highest risk of exposure comes from drinking contaminated water and eating food that contains PFAS.
Products that may contain PFAS: Food packaging materials Nonstick cookware Stain resistant carpet treatment Water resistant clothing Paints, varnishes and sealants Firefighting foam Some cosmetics PFAS impact on health Although more research is needed to determine the full scope of the long-term effects of PFAS on people’s health, according to the Michigan Department of Environmental Quality, exposure in food and water may be harmful: Affect growth, learning and behavior of infants and older children Lower woman’s chances of getting pregnant Interfere with the body’s natural hormones Increase cholesterol levels Affect the immune system Increase risk of cancer For more information on FPAS impact on your health, visit the Center For Disease Control and Prevention.