We know what happened when that untreated water leached lead from aging pipes, but in his story today for MLive, Flint journalist Ron Fonger revealed that before the water switch even happened, the state tested the Flint River and discovered rising levels of PFAS contamination.
Per and polyfluoroalkyl substances — or PFAS — are a family of chemicals that have been used in a wide range of products since the 1940s to help make them resistant to water, heat, and grease.
These chemicals can build up over time in the environment and in our bodies.
Exposure to PFAS has been tied to health problems, including cancer and damage to the thyroid and liver.
The MLive story indicates that this report from the DHHS was shared with the DNR, the Department of Environmental Quality, the Department of Agriculture and Rural Development, and the U.S. EPA.
But Ananich said the information was never shared with him or any Flint city officials.
“I was on a bi-cameral, bi-partisan committee that held hearings on the Flint water crisis," Ananich said.
This response from the governor’s office cites information the DEQ had in 2016.
Listen above to hear Ananich discuss what he says is a troubling culture among state officials, and what he believes should have been done.
This post was written by Stateside production assistant Sophie Sherry.