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PFAS and Foam

PFAS and Foam

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White foam on a lake shore

PFAS and Foam

Foam forms on many of Michigan’s 11,000 rivers, lakes and streams. It can contain harmful bacteria or chemicals, such as per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS).

If a body of water has PFAS in it, its foam can also have PFAS in it. In rare cases, human-made foam, such as firefighting foam, can also be released into a body of water.

Many PFAS don’t break down easily and can stay in the environment for a long time. If we swallow those PFAS, they can build up in our bodies and potentially lead to health problems.

To protect your health, MDHHS recommends avoiding all foam on Michigan lakes, rivers, streams and other surface waters.

Foam:

  • Can be white, off-white or brown.
  • Is usually lightweight.
  • May have an earthy or fishy smell.
  • Often piles up in bays, eddies, dams and other river barriers.
  • Can be sticky.
  • May blow inland.
  • May contain harmful bacteria, algae or chemicals, such as PFAS.
Light brown foam built up on a creek bed

To reduce your exposure to PFAS in foam:

  • Don't touch or swallow foam.
  • If you do touch foam:
    • Rinse it off as soon as possible and bathe or shower after swimming.
    • Be sure to wash your hands before preparing food, eating or putting your hands in your mouth.
    • Don't swallow it.
Hands being washed under an outdoor spigot
Shower head
Child washing their hands using bottled water

Keep your pets away from touching or swallowing foam on surface water.

Man petting a dog
Dog getting a bath outdoors
  • The Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (MDARD) recommends people keep their pets form touching or swallowing foam on bodies of water.
  • Animals can swallow foam that has built up on 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.

If you suspect PFAS foam has formed on a lake or river, you can report it to the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE):

Report it to EGLE

Information collected will be used to help understand foam occurrence, help EGLE look for potential sources of contamination in the area and help EGLE plan annual lake and stream monitoring.

For more information about PFAS and foam, visit the MPART webpage on PFAS foam on lakes and streams.

Foam on lake shore

  • How can I learn more?

    Call the MDHHS Environmental Health Hotline to talk to a toxicologist about your exposure concerns: 800-648-6942

    Visit Michigan.gov/PFASResponse for information on how Michigan is addressing PFAS in the environment.

    View Resources.

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