Amanda Forrester / news@whmi.com

Officials are issuing a warning as more people hit the water.

The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services are recommending people avoid foam on the state’s lakes, rivers, streams and other surface waters.

The foam, which can be white, off-white or brown, can form on any body of water. It tends to pile up in bays, eddies, dams or other river barriers and have an earthy or fishy scent.

MDHHS said the concern is that the foam may contain harmful chemicals or bacteria, including high levels of polyfluoroalkyl substances, also known as PFAS. Studies have found high exposure to PFAS is linked to serious health effects, including high cholesterol and liver damage.

Those who come into contact with foam should rinse off or bathe as soon as they can, especially in water that is suspected to have PFAS contamination. Touching the foam without rinsing off or bathing may lead to accidental ingestion of the foam.

“The risk of PFAS exposure through your skin is low,” Dr. Natasha Bagdasarian, Chief Medical Executive for MDHHS, said. “However, you can accidentally swallow PFAS, as well as bacteria, algae, viruses and other chemicals, if you do not rinse off or bathe after touching foam. Rinsing off or bathing after water activities will help protect you, your family and your pets from harmful substances that may be in foam or water.”

The Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development recommends that people prevent their animals from touching or swallowing foam as well. Animals can accidentally swallow foam that is built up in their fur while grooming themselves. They should also be rinsed off or bathed if they come in contact with foam. Those with questions should contact their veterinarian.

PFAS has been a problem in local waters for several years. Fish in Kensington Metroparks and other locations are not able to be eaten due to the elevated PFAS levels.

More information about PFAS concentrations and bacteria that can be found in foam can be found linked below.

The MDHHS Environmental Health Hotline can handle questions about PFAS and foam exposure. The phone number is 800-648-6942.

(photo credit: MDHHS)