Michigan issues PFAS 'Do Not Eat' Fish consumption advisory for several water bodies on the Huron River within parts of Oakland, Livingston and Washtenaw counties

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Aug. 4, 2018

CONTACT: Lynn Sutfin, 517-241-2112

LANSING, Mich. – The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) has issued an emergency ‘Do Not Eat’ fish advisory for all fish between the Huron River at Milford (Oakland County) to the Huron River at Base Line and Portage Lakes (Livingston and Washtenaw county lines) due to PFOS. Today’s ‘Do Not Eat’ advisory replaces previous mercury and PCB guidelines that recommended consumption limits for fish from the Huron River.

Fish from Kent Lake in the Huron River were tested for PFOS. Elevated levels of PFOS were found in all fish filets tested. As a result, MDHHS is issuing a ‘Do Not Eat’ advisory for all fish from the Huron River at Milford (Oakland County) to the Huron River at the Livingston and Washtenaw county border. This includes Hubbell Pond, Kent Lake, Strawberry and Zukey Lake, Gallagher Lake, Loon Lake, Whitewood Lakes, Base Line and Portage Lakes.

Fish tested from these water bodies were found to have high level of PFOS resulting in the ‘Do Not Eat’ advisory. Fish filets were tested as a result of the state’s PFAS effort. The advisory relates to the state’s work to address perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), as well as perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS).

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

Touching the fish or water and swimming in these water bodies is not considered a health concern as PFAS, which includes PFOS, do not move easily through the skin. An occasional swallow of river or lake water is also not considered a health concern.

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 and pregnant and breastfeeding women, and people with existing health problems such as cancer or diabetes. Michigan has been routinely testing fish filets for PFAS since 2012.

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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