White, sticky foam that’s fouled quite a few Michigan shorelines is more dangerous than previously believed. That’s why state environmental officials are warning people not to touch it. Prior warnings about toxic PFAS foam advised against swallowing it, but new data shows high concentrations of unsafe chemicals in the foam, so the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services is telling people to stay away from it altogether. Deb MacKenzie-Taylor is the toxicology and response section manager with DHHS.
“The main concern is for swallowing the foam or getting on their hands and their eating something. If you accidentally touch it and wash it off, you’re OK.”
Naturally occurring foam often is beige and has a marine smell. The PFAS foam, which comes from firefighting chemicals that have leached into the groundwater, is bright white and piles up like shaving cream. Officials say that could entice children and animals to play with it. The website Michigan.gov/PFASresponse advises owners to thoroughly rinse pets that come in contact with the foam. It also lists the pollution reporting hotline so people can request the foam be removed.
