Study finds high levels of PFAS in foam on Wisconsin waterways

July 10, 2024

Researchers at UW-Madison have found that PFAS are higher in naturally occurring foam on Wisconsin lakes and rivers than the waters below, according to a study released this week.

Researchers analyzed samples from foams at the top layer of 43 lakes and rivers across the state, looking for 36 different types of PFAS — harmful man-made chemicals commonly known as “forever chemicals” because they don’t break down easily in the environment. PFAS, which have entered the environment through certain types of firefighting foam and household goods such as nonstick pans, have been connected to certain types of cancer, fertility problems and other health defects.

PFAS are surfactants, which means they are drawn to where the air meets the water.

The researchers found that samples of foam from Madison’s Lake Monona showed PFAS at the astronomically high level of 328,000 parts per trillion, the highest level statewide. Lake Monona has known PFAS contamination because it is downstream of Starkweather Creek, which is contaminated from firefighting foams used at the Dane County Airport.

Across the state, researchers found PFAS concentration in the foam was 50-7,500 times higher than in deeper water.

Federal drinking water standards for PFAS set the allowable level for specific types of PFAS compounds at four parts per trillion. Wisconsin and Michigan have previously issued warnings about avoiding contact with foam on surface waters.

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