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Michigan issues 'Do Not Eat' Fish Consumption Advisory for all fish in Beaver Dam Pond and Helmer Creek in Calhoun County due to PFAS

The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) has issued an emergency ‘Do Not Eat’ fish advisory for all fish in Beaver Dam Pond and Helmer Creek in Springfield due to perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS).

Bluegill filets tested from Beaver Dam Pond were found to have high levels of PFOS. As a result, MDHHS is issuing a ‘Do Not Eat’ advisory for all fish from Beaver Dam Pond and Helmer Creek, both in Calhoun County. The advisory does not extend into the Kalamazoo River. To find the Eat Safe Fish guidelines for the Kalamazoo River, visit the Southwest Michigan Eat Safe Fish Guide at Michigan.gov/EatSafeFish.

 

Type of Fish

Chemical Causing MI Serving Recommendation

Size of Fish (length in inches)

MI Servings per Month
All fish PFOS Any Do Not Eat

 

The fish were tested as a result of the state’s perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) effort. The advisory relates to the state’s work to address PFAS. PFOS is one specific PFAS.

 
Touching the fish or water and swimming in the pond or the creek is not considered a health concern. PFAS do not move easily through the skin. An occasional swallow of pond or creek water is also not considered a health concern.

Avoid foam that forms on the pond or creek. Foam may have higher amounts of PFAS than the water and could be a health risk, especially if swallowed. It’s a good idea to wash after touching foam with PFAS. Visit the Health Section at michigan.gov/pfasresponse for more information on PFAS and foam.

MDHHS releases annual Eat Safe Fish Guides in the spring and emergency advisories as needed. The Eat Safe Fish guidelines are set to be protective for everyone including children, pregnant and breastfeeding women and people with existing health problems such as cancer or diabetes.

For current guidelines relating to PFAS contamination in fish, visit Michigan.gov/pfasresponse. For more information about the Eat Safe Fish guidelines, visit Michigan.gov/EatSafeFish.

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