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Report shows DEQ knew about PFAS danger years ago

DETROIT, MI (MPRN)--   A new report shows top-ranking state officials knew six years ago about the harmful effects of some chemicals in drinking water. That report has rattled some lawmakers and conservationists.

The Michigan Department of Environmental Quality began widespread research on PFAS contamination late last year, but Democratic lawmakers and environmental advocates say the state could have acted much sooner to educate the public on the dangers of PFAS.

Lisa Wozniak is executive director of the Michigan League of Conservation Voters.

“In light of this crisis – and that’s what this is, a drinking water and public health crisis – we’re calling on the state legislature to immediately return to Lansing and hold joint hearings to investigate how this terrible situation got ignored for six years,” she says.

The D-E-Q says Michigan is leading the way in PFAS research. Republican leadership in the Legislature has not considered any measure to regulate the toxic substances. A couple of proposals have been referred to committees… but with no hearings.

PFAS chemicals are found in water-repellant substances and fire-fighting foam. Ingesting them has been linked to certain cancers, organ damage, and developmental problems in children.