PFAS and Your Health: What Grand Rapids Residents Should Know

PFAS and Your Health in Grand Rapids, Michigan

If you live in Grand Rapids or anywhere in Kent County, you may have heard the term “PFAS” come up in conversations about drinking water, fishing in the Grand River, or West Michigan’s manufacturing history. These “forever chemicals” can build up in the environment and in our bodies over time, which is why many neighbors here have questions. This plain-language guide explains what PFAS are, how people are exposed, and practical steps you can take to protect your health.

What Are PFAS?

PFAS stands for per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances. They are a large group of synthetic (human-made) chemicals that have been manufactured since the 1940s. Because they resist heat, grease, water, and stains, they have been used in many everyday products, including:

• Nonstick cookware
• Water- and stain-resistant fabrics and carpets
• Grease-resistant food packaging
• Cosmetics
• Firefighting foams

PFAS are often called “forever chemicals” because they break down very slowly. Over time, they can build up in the environment and in the human body.

How People Are Exposed

Most people in the United States have already been exposed to PFAS. Measurable amounts of certain PFAS are found in the blood of people across the country and around the world.

A main route of exposure is ingestion, meaning you take the chemicals in through contaminated drinking water and food. In communities where the water supply is contaminated, drinking water can be the primary source of exposure. Other ways people come into contact with PFAS include:

• Eating fish or wild game caught in contaminated areas
• Eating food grown or produced near PFAS sources
• Swallowing or breathing contaminated soil or dust
• Using certain consumer products
• Occupational exposure, such as during manufacturing or firefighting

For West Michigan residents who enjoy fishing the Grand River or Lake Michigan and hunting wild game, it is worth knowing where exposure can happen and following local advisories.

Possible Health Effects

Research is still developing, but studies suggest PFAS exposure may be associated with certain health effects. These possible effects include:

• Increased cholesterol levels
• Changes in liver enzymes
• Reduced antibody (immune) response to some vaccines
• Small decreases in infant birth weight
• Pregnancy-induced high blood pressure and preeclampsia
• Increased risk of kidney and testicular cancer

It is important to understand that these are associations found in research. Being exposed to PFAS does not mean you will develop any of these conditions.

What About Blood Testing?

A blood test can measure the amount of certain PFAS in your blood. However, the results have real limits. A blood test cannot diagnose a specific health problem, and it cannot predict whether you will develop a disease in the future.

There are also no approved medical treatments to remove PFAS from the body. Because of this, the most effective strategy for lowering your PFAS levels is reducing ongoing exposure.

The good news is that reducing exposure works. The CDC and ATSDR found that average blood levels of two common PFAS, called PFOS and PFOA, decreased in adults after contaminated drinking water exposure was stopped or reduced.

Steps to Reduce Your Exposure

You cannot change past exposure, but you can take practical steps to lower it going forward. Consider the following:

• If you have a private well, have it tested for PFAS.
• Use alternative or treated water sources that are known to be tested and safe.
• Limit how much fish or game you eat from contaminated areas where local advisories apply.

The Kent County Health Department and Michigan state resources can help residents understand local water testing and any current fish or game advisories for our area.

When to Talk With a Healthcare Provider

If you are concerned about PFAS exposure, talk with your healthcare provider. A provider can review your exposure history, address your specific concerns, and recommend standard, age-appropriate preventive care that keeps you healthy overall.

In Grand Rapids, you can connect with a primary care provider through systems such as Corewell Health, Trinity Health Grand Rapids, University of Michigan Health-West, or Cherry Health. If you do not have a regular provider, Cherry Health offers community-based care, and the Kent County Health Department is a resource for public and environmental health questions.

PFAS can feel overwhelming, especially with the “forever chemicals” label. But the most powerful action is also the most practical: reduce ongoing exposure, stay informed through trusted local sources, and partner with a healthcare provider you trust. Small, steady steps add up to real protection for you and your family in West Michigan.