This is a past event.

Ian O. Smith, Ph.D.

Emerging Contaminants and Issues Coordination

MDEQ Drinking Water and Municipal Assistance Division

The Michigan PFAS Action Response Team

Launched in 2017, the Michigan PFAS Action Response Team (MPART) is the first multi-agency action team of its kind in the nation. Agencies representing heath, environment and other branches of state government have joined together to investigate sources and locations of PFAS contamination in the state, to take action to protect people's drinking water, and to keep the public informed as we learn more about this emerging contaminant.

Perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), also known as PFCs, have been classified by the US Environmental Protection Agency as an emerging contaminant on the national level. PFAS are a suite of chemicals historically used in thousands of applications throughout the industrial, food, and textile industries.  They break down very slowly in the environment and are highly soluble, easily transferring through soil to groundwater. PFAS contamination has been identified in several locations across the state of Michigan as a result of use in multiple industries across the State. PFAS is used in firefighting foams, food packaging, cleaning products, and various other products. It is also used by many industries such as plating, tanneries, or clothing manufacturers, where waterproofing may be required or a protective film is needed in a manufacturing process.

In recent years, experts have become increasingly concerned by the potential effects of high concentrations of PFAS on human health. Although there is more to learn about PFAS and human health, the State of Michigan takes this issue seriously and is one of the first states in the nation to establish limits on PFAS in drinking water.

The State of Michigan is taking action to address this issue in a proactive and innovative way. Ten state departments, in coordination with local and federal officials across Michigan, are working together to ensure that the public health and safety of residents is protected while ensuring our environmental heritage is secure for generations of Michiganders to come. (from the MPART website: michigan.gov/pfasresponse)

Refreshments to be served.