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PFAS and health

An adult and child both wearing hiking backpacks, walking through a forest on a gravel path.

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 Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (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.

Exposure to PFAS factsheets

Research is on-going to understand the effects PFAS might have on health. Having PFAS exposure or PFAS in your body does not mean you will necessarily have health problems now or in the future.

Introduction to PFAS

PFAS and your body

Exposure and health

Reducing exposure

Additional resources and factsheets

A kitchen faucet on a dark countertop with clear water running into the sink

How Drinking Water Affects Your Health

PFAS are widely used and move in groundwater as well as lakes, rivers, and streams. Groundwater is water found underground in the cracks and spaces in soil, sand, and rock. Most private wells and some public water supplies use groundwater. 

Two women sitting at a table across form each other, one with a glass of clear water

Michigan's Screening Levels and MCLs

Public health drinking water screening levels, health-based values, criteria, and Maximum Contaminant Levels (MCLs) all serve different purposes. Learn about the meaning of each with the following factsheets.

Thick white foam along the sandy shores of Van Etten Lake

PFAS Foam on Lakes and Rivers

PFAS do not move easily through the skin, but it’s always best to rinse off after contact with foam and to bathe or shower after the day’s outdoor activities. 

A young man sits at a table with his face in his hands, looking exhausted

Coping with Stress from Environmental Contamination

Environmental contamination in your community can disrupt life as usual. Feeling stress is a normal reaction to this unusual situation.