Residents in West Michigan communities have more opportunities to participate in PFAS research

LANSING, MI (WKZO AM/FM) – The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) is wrapping up the first phase of the Michigan PFAS Exposure and Health Study (MiPEHS) and are putting out a last call for eligible residents to join Phase 1 before it ends on August 14.

According to the MDHHS website, the study concerns residents from Parchment, Cooper Township and the Belmont/Rockford area.

Residents who participate in Phase 1 will be able to track their PFAS levels three times over the course of the study. Participants may also receive up to $155 if they complete all three study office visits.

Anyone interested in joining MiPEHS in Phase 1 must call 855-322-3037 before August 14 to confirm their eligibility and enroll.

As of July 21, officials say more than 1,200 residents have participated in the MiPEHS study. Two additional opportunities to join the study in Phases 2 and 3 will be offered at a later date.

“MDHHS is encouraging all eligible residents to enroll in the study to make it as successful as possible,” chief medical executive Dr. Joneigh Khaldun said in a statement. “The more people that join, the better the study can show how PFAS exposure may affect health over time.”

MDHHS, in partnership with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), is also sending invitations to eligible residents to join a new, nationwide PFAS health study starting in September.

The Multi-site Health Study (MSS) will take an in-depth look at how PFAS affects health among different populations, including behavioral and cognitive development in children ages five years and older.

Information collected in Michigan will be combined with data from six other locations around the United States. MDHHS will also examine birth outcomes and maternal health as part of a Michigan expansion to MSS.

MSS participants will also receive their PFAS blood test results for free and are offered gift cards for up to $50 for every adult and $75 for every child who participates.

For more information about MiPEHS or MSS, residents can visit Michigan.gov/DEHBio.