A new report from the Environment Michigan Research & Policy Center found that out of 19 waterways tested in Michigan between 2022 and 2024, 79% were contaminated by PFAS.
PFAS, also known as “forever chemicals,” are a kind of synthetic chemical that breaks down slowly. There are thousands of these kinds of chemicals, and they are used in a variety of consumer and industrial products, including non-stick cookware and firefighter foam.
In the Upper Peninsula, 11 waterways were found to be contaminated, including the Tahquamenon River. In Traverse City, Mitchell Creek was tested, and no PFAS was found. Two Detroit Rivers — Ecorse River and Rouge River — were also tested and found to be contaminated…