LANSING, MI (WKZO AM/FM) — The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) is launching the Michigan PFAS Exposure and Health Study (MiPEHS) to learn more about the relationship between PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances) and health among residents who have been exposed to various levels in their drinking water.
The study will take place between 2020 and 2026 in Parchment and Cooper Township in Kalamazoo County and the Belmont and Rockford areas of Kent County.
All eligible participants in Parchment, Cooper Township, Belmont and Rockford are scheduled to receive an enrollment packet in the mail from MDHHS by Nov. 30.
Residents who think they are eligible and do not receive an enrollment packet by that date should call MDHHS’ study partner, RTI International, at 855-322-3037 to see confirm eligibility.
“Michigan continues to be a leader in PFAS research,” chief medical executive and chief deputy for health Dr. Joneigh Khaldun said in a statement. “The MiPEHS will provide residents of these communities the opportunity to learn more about PFAS and their levels of exposure and potential health impacts.”
People who enroll in the study will complete a comprehensive survey and provide a blood sample on three separate occasions over the course of the study. The blood samples will be tested for PFAS and health markers such as thyroid hormones and cholesterol.
MDHHS will also test some participants’ drinking water for PFAS.
In addition, MDHHS will soon launch another study in these same communities in partnership with the CDC’s Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry.
The Multi-Site Study (MSS) is a nationwide PFAS health study, with a goal of understanding the relationship between PFAS exposure and health outcomes among differing populations across the United States. Information collected for the MSS in Michigan will be combined with data from six other locations throughout the country.
MSS will be open for enrollment in 2021 and will last until 2022, and eligible residents will be notified by MDHHS when MSS begins.
For more information about the MiPEHS or MSS, please visit Michigan.gov/DEHBio.
