Toxic Threat: Avoid Consuming Deer near Clark's Marsh Due to PFAS Contamination

Hunters are being warned not to consume venison from deer killed within a three-mile radius of Clark's Marsh in Oscoda Township, Michigan, due to ongoing PFAS pollution. The state-issued advisory, which has been in effect since 2018, is due to likely contamination of the animals' livers and muscle tissues with harmful per- and polyfluorinated substances (PFAS). The advisory zone was recently reduced from five miles to three miles. In addition, an advisory against consuming fish and other wildlife from Clark's Marsh remains in place. PFAS are persistent chemicals that accumulate in the environment and can have various adverse health effects. The contamination in the area is linked to the use of PFAS-based firefighting foam by the Air Force at the now-closed Wurtsmith base.