Dept. of Health: DO NOT EAT Warning For Fish At Two Calhoun Sites

The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services has issues a "Do Not Eat" warning for fish caught from two Calhoun Country fishing sites due to dangerous PFAS levels.

The two sites are Helmer Creek and Beaver Dam Pond, both in Calhoun County. MDHHS says "Bluegill filets tested from Beaver Dam Pond were found to have high levels of PFOS."

It's important to know that MDHHS says "The advisory does not extend into the Kalamazoo River. To find the Eat Safe Fish guidelines for the Kalamazoo River, visit the Southwest Michigan Eat Safe Fish Guide.The fish were tested as a result of the state’s perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) effort. The advisory relates to the state’s work to address PFAS. PFOS is one specific PFAS.

The state says two important things to remember:

"Touching the fish or water and swimming in the pond or the creek is not considered a health concern. PFAS do not move easily through the skin. An occasional swallow of pond or creek water is also not considered a health concern. Avoid foam that forms on the pond or creek. Foam may have higher amounts of PFAS than the water and could be a health risk, especially if swallowed. It’s a good idea to wash after touching foam with PFAS. Visit the Health Section at michigan.gov/pfasresponse for more information on PFAS and foam." - MDHHS