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PFAS and Health

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PFAS and Health

The State of Michigan is working with the National Center for Environmental Health, Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR) and additional partners to better understand how PFAS might affect people’s health.

Scientists are still learning about the health effects of exposures to mixtures of PFAS. Although more research is needed, some studies in people have shown that certain PFAS may:

  • Lower a woman’s chance of getting pregnant
  • Increase the chance of high blood pressure in pregnant women
  • Increase the chance of thyroid disease
  • Increase cholesterol levels
  • Change immune response
  • Increase the chance of cancer, especially kidney and testicular cancers

If you are concerned about exposure to PFAS in your drinking water, contact the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services Toxicology Hotline at 800-648-6942.

A kitchen faucet on a dark countertop with clear water running into the sink
Two women sitting at a table across form each other, one with a glass of clear water
Thick white foam along the sandy shores of Van Etten Lake
Ways people are exposed to PFAS; nonstick pans, firefighting foam, and stain repellant
A young man sits at a table with his face in his hands, looking exhausted
A doctor in a white coat stands with arms folded over his chest, holding a red stethoscope