The Poisoning of Michigan, Forever Chemicals, and My Own Story
Several years ago, I was diagnosed with a rare autoimmune disease. Nothing life-threatening, but very difficult to manage and enough to make me start asking questions. I followed the breadcrumbs back, tracing possible causes, and what I found was unsettling: I had likely been exposed to forever chemicals (PFAS) from what is now known as “The Poisoning of Michigan.”
For those unfamiliar, this disaster began in 1973 when polybrominated biphenyls (PBBs)—a flame retardant—were accidentally mixed into livestock feed and distributed to farms across Michigan. The result? Hundreds of thousands of Michiganders consumed contaminated meat, milk, and eggs, unknowingly ingesting toxins that would remain in their bodies for decades. The poisoning wasn’t just a one-time event—it had lasting consequences, with studies showing long-term health impacts on people who were exposed.
I was born in 1976, during the height of the contamination, and I was breastfed. Unfortunately, PBBs and PFAS chemicals accumulate in fat and breast milk, meaning breastfed infants often receive a higher dose than their parents. The very thing that was meant to nourish and protect me may have also been one of my earliest exposures to toxic chemicals.
The Lingering Health Effects of PFAS Exposure
Forever chemicals—named because they do not break down easily in the environment or the human body—have been linked to a staggering number of health concerns, including:
Hormone disruption
Immune system suppression
Liver and kidney damage
Increased cholesterol
Thyroid disorders
Certain cancers (kidney, testicular, etc.)
Fertility issues and pregnancy complications
At first, I didn’t connect the dots between my own health struggles and my past exposure. Things clicked when I learned about PFAS contamination and had some eye-opening test results, and I started researching.
Getting Tested for PFAS Exposure
If you suspect you’ve been exposed to PFAS chemicals—whether through contaminated water, food, or past environmental disasters—you can get tested. Here’s what you need to know:
Blood Testing: There are blood tests that measure PFAS levels, but not all doctors are familiar with them. The CDC and certain specialized labs can check for PFAS in the bloodstream.
Urine Testing: Some studies have suggested that PFAS may also be detected in urine, but blood tests remain the standard.
Medical Monitoring: If you test positive for high levels of PFAS, you may qualify for medical monitoring programs that track your health over time.
Insurance Considerations: Not all insurance companies cover PFAS testing, so it’s worth checking costs ahead of time.
Now, I’m so much more aware of how easy it is to be unknowingly exposed. And the truth is, forever chemicals are everywhere. They’re in our water, our food, our furniture, even our rain jackets. But that doesn’t mean we’re powerless.
How to Reduce Your Exposure to Forever Chemicals
Here’s what I do to limit my exposure—and what you can do, too:
1. Filter Your Water
Reverse osmosis filters and some activated carbon filters (like certain Brita and ZeroWater models) can remove PFAS. Standard filters don’t cut it.
Check the Environmental Working Group’s PFAS water contamination map to see if your local water supply is affected.
2. Avoid Non-Stick Cookware
Skip Teflon and other non-stick pans. Instead, use cast iron, stainless steel, or ceramic cookware.
If you have non-stick pans, never overheat them—this releases toxic fumes.
3. Watch Out for Stain-Resistant and Water-Repellent Products
Forever chemicals are in stain-resistant furniture, carpets, and clothing.
Avoid water-repellent outdoor gear unless it specifically states PFAS-free.
Check makeup and skincare labels for PTFE, “fluoro,” or “perfluoro” ingredients—these are PFAS in disguise.
4. Be Careful with Takeout Containers
Grease-resistant fast-food wrappers, microwave popcorn bags, and pizza boxes often contain PFAS.
Opt for food that isn’t wrapped in waxy or coated paper.
Pop your own popcorn instead of buying microwaveable bags.
5. Choose Safer Cleaning Products
Avoid “antibacterial” or grease-resistant wipes—many contain PFAS.
Use vinegar, baking soda, and castile soap for cleaning instead.
6. Be Selective About Fish and Meat
Fish from contaminated lakes and rivers can be high in PFAS. Check local fish advisories before eating what you catch.
Certain organ meats (like liver) can accumulate PFAS at higher levels than muscle meats.
7. Demand Change
Support PFAS bans in food packaging and firefighting foam (a major source of water contamination).
Vote for officials who prioritize environmental protections.
Contact brands and ask if they use PFAS in their products. Many are switching to PFAS-free alternatives, but many need consumer pressure to make the change faster.
What You Can Do to Help Rid the World of Forever Chemicals
Push for Regulations – Many states are working to phase out PFAS, but we need stricter national regulations. Call your representatives.
Clean Up Local Waterways – PFAS aren’t just in drinking water—they’re in rivers, lakes, and soil. Join local clean-up efforts to reduce contamination.
Support Companies That Go PFAS-Free – From Patagonia to Beautycounter, more brands are eliminating forever chemicals. Vote with your wallet.
Educate Others – Most people don’t even know about PFAS. Share what you learn!
The Bottom Line
I can’t go back and change the fact that I was exposed to forever chemicals as an infant. But I can limit my exposure now and help others do the same. The more we know, the better choices we can make.
If you’ve never thought about forever chemicals before, now is the time. Filter your water, check your cookware, avoid stain-resistant and non-stick coatings, and start paying attention to what’s in the products you buy. And if you’re concerned about past exposure, talk to a doctor about getting tested.
Forever chemicals don’t have to define our future, but we have to take action now.
