UW study finds toxic PFAS chemicals in most Wisconsinites' blood

MADISON (WKBT) -- The harmful forever chemicals known as PFAS are in most Wisconsinites' blood, according to a new study from the UW School of Medicine and Public Health.

Researchers sampled blood in 600 adults from 2014 to 2016. 96 percent of them had PFAS in their blood.

The study also found those who'd eaten locally caught fish and microwaved popcorn had higher PFAS levels.

The man-made chemicals are widely used in consumer products and do not break down in nature. They've contaminated water sources in cities like Eau Claire and private wells in the Town of Campbell.

Communities nationwide including La Crosse are involved in class action lawsuits against chemical manufacturers like 3M and DuPont, arguing those companies knew PFAS were harmful and did nothing to fix pollution.

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