PFAS Foam Safety Alert: What Livingston County Families Need to Know
As summer fun approaches, the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) urges families in Livingston County and beyond to stay safe by avoiding foam on lakes, rivers, and streams.
Foam on surface water can look innocent—white, off-white, or even brown, sometimes collecting near dams or along shorelines. But here’s the concern: some foam contains harmful bacteria or chemicals like PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances). These chemicals have been linked to health concerns including high cholesterol and liver damage.
Why It Matters for Families with Young Children
Livingston County is home to over 11,000 children under age 6, many of whom enjoy time near water during Michigan’s warmer months. Exposure to PFAS-laced foam may not pose a big risk through skin contact, but if kids—or pets—accidentally swallow it, the risks rise significantly.
“Rinsing off or bathing after water activities will help protect you, your family and your pets,” says Dr. Natasha Bagdasarian, Michigan’s chief medical executive. Whether at Thompson Lake in Howell or the Huron River near Hamburg, simple precautions make a big difference.
Key Safety Tips for Families
- Avoid foam on lakes, rivers, or any body of water.
- Rinse off or bathe immediately after water activities.
- Keep pets away from foam and rinse them off if they get into it.
- Watch toddlers closely—they are more likely to touch or taste foam without realizing the danger.
- Know the signs of PFAS foam: white or off-white, lightweight, and often piles up on the shoreline.
Where to Learn More
Families can get more information through the MDHHS page on PFAS foam safety.
Still have questions? Call the MDHHS Environmental Health Hotline at 800-648-6942.
We’re Here for Livingston County Families
At Great Start Livingston, we’re committed to keeping families of young children informed and safe. From summer safety to school readiness, we’re building community connections that support families with children ages 0–8.
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