Learn more about PFAS
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Standing up to toxic PFAS polluters
to protect the health of your community
Learn More
to protect the health of your community
What are PFAS?
PFAS is an acronym that stands for Poly- and perfluoroalkyl substances. PFAS are a class of more than 4,700 different chemicals. Beginning in the 1940’s, PFAS have been used in a variety of industrial products, like stain and water-resistant fabrics, cleaning products, paints, and fire-fighting foams. PFAS are commonly referred to as forever chemicals, because they can take thousands of years to break down. Unfortunately, they are also linked to a wide array of health problems.
Frequently Asked Questions
PFAS is an acronym for a class of more than 4,700 different chemicals. Beginning in the 1940’s, PFAS have been used in a variety of industrial products, like stain and water-resistant fabrics, cleaning products, paints, and fire-fighting foams. PFAS are commonly referred to as forever chemicals, because they can take thousands of years to break down. Unfortunately, they are also linked to a wide array of health problems.
The full impacts of PFAS exposure and contamination are still being studied, and will be for years to come. These invisible chemicals are a problem for humans of any age and for all living creatures. This is because PFAS collects in our bodies over time and can take years to leave.
Because we are often exposed to different types of PFAS, they continuously add up in our bodies and in our bloodstreams. This is a real concern because PFAS can negatively affect our health. PFAS have been linked to:
Studies show that some of the potential and common health impacts associated with PFAS exposure are liver damage, thyroid disease, decreased fertility, high cholesterol, obesity, reduced vaccination and immunity effectiveness, hormone suppression, testicular and kidney cancer.
Because we are often exposed to different types of PFAS, they continuously add up in our bodies and in our bloodstreams. This is a real concern because PFAS can negatively affect our health. PFAS have been linked to:
- elevated cholesterol
- thyroid disease
- immuno-suppression
- damage to the liver and kidneys
- various fertility issues
- different types of cancers (testicular and kidney cancers)
Studies show that some of the potential and common health impacts associated with PFAS exposure are liver damage, thyroid disease, decreased fertility, high cholesterol, obesity, reduced vaccination and immunity effectiveness, hormone suppression, testicular and kidney cancer.
GLPAN, the Great Lakes PFAS Action Network, harnesses the collective resources, perspectives and expertise in PFAS impacted-communities, and fuses it with organizations' own resources and expertise. Together, we work to educate decision-makers at the state and federal level, secure funding for large-scale cleanup, and ensure accountability for swift, comprehensive and equitable solutions to PFAS contamination for people across the Great Lakes region.
GLPAN strives to bring impacted communities together to raise awareness and find solutions for toxic PFAS contamination happening across the region.
GLPAN provides tools and resources for communities grappling with PFAS contamination from top PFAS experts. These communities are empowered to hold polluters responsible and seek cleanup solutions for the contamination.
GLPAN strives to bring impacted communities together to raise awareness and find solutions for toxic PFAS contamination happening across the region.
GLPAN provides tools and resources for communities grappling with PFAS contamination from top PFAS experts. These communities are empowered to hold polluters responsible and seek cleanup solutions for the contamination.
Locations near PFAS Contamination: Eaton County Landfill
PFAS Contamination: Grand Rapids Water Resource Recovery Facility, Former Incinerator Ash Lagoon
9.1 miles away
- Kent County, MI 49503
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Thurs: Open 24h
PFAS Contamination: Grand Ledge National Guard Annex Property
9.1 miles away
- Clinton County, MI 48837
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Thurs: Open 24h
The Great Lakes PFAS Action Network is a coalition centered and driven by people impacted by toxic PFAS pollution.