(WWJ) – As summer gets into full-swing in Michigan and people head to the lakes and beaches, health officials are issuing a warning about foam in the water.
The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services is reminding residents to avoid foam on lakes, rivers, streams and beaches across the state.
While foam can form on any waterbody, officials say it’s important to know the difference in safe foam and potentially dangerous foam.
Natural foam is usually off-white and/or brown and often has an “earthy or fishy scent,” according to MDHHS officials. It tends to pile up on beaches, in bays, in eddies or at river barriers such as dams.
But sometimes foam can contain harmful chemicals or bacteria, including high levels of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS).
Foam containing PFAS is usually bright white in color, lightweight and may pile up along shores or blow onto beaches.
Some studies in people have found that repeated high PFAS exposure is linked to liver damage and thyroid disease, among other health effects, according to MDHHS.
If you come in contact with any foam, MDHHS recommends you rinse off or bathe as soon as possible.
While the risk of PFAS entering the body through skin contact is low, according to current science, officials say coming into contact with foam without rinsing off or bathing “can lead to accidentally swallowing foam or its contents.”
“We advise you to avoid contact with foam if you can, but if you accidentally come into contact with foam, you should rinse off as soon as possible,” said Dr. Natasha Bagdasarian, MDHHS chief medical executive. “Rinsing off in general after water activities is always a good idea.”
People are also being reminded they shouldn’t allow their animals come into contact or swallow foam on waterbodies.
Animals are at risk of swallowing foam built up in their fur when grooming themselves. If animals do come into contact with foam, they should be rinsed off and bathed with fresh water.
Pet owners with questions related to animals and foam ingestion should contact their veterinarian.
Anyone with questions about exposure to PFAS or foam can call the MDHHS Environmental Health hotline at 800-648-6942. More information is available on the MPART website.
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