Podcast: Hidden 'forever chemicals' found in Great Lakes fish raise new health concerns

A recent study found dozens of previously unidentified PFAS, or “forever chemicals,” in Lake Huron’s water, fish and mussels, suggesting contamination is more widespread than previously thought. Some PFAS are linked to serious health risks, but most of the thousands of PFAS compounds in use remain poorly studied. The episode features Clarkson University environmental chemist Bernard Crimmins, who explains the advanced testing method the researchers used to find new PFAS chemicals, a fishing charter captain describing his concerns around PFAS and other contaminants in fish in the Great Lakes, and a Michigan representative who talks about a bill she introduced to limit PFAS in consumer products but which failed. Together, their insights highlight the growing challenge of understanding the health and environmental impacts of PFAS pollution across the Great Lakes region and globally.

Key points:

1:29 – A 2025 study finds dozens of previously unknown PFAS chemicals in the fish, mussels, and waters of Lake Huron.

3:55 – “Captain Steve” Hubert with Chum Bucket Charters explains his concerns about PFAS in fish and their potential impact on his business.

4:42 – Gillian Miller with Ecology Center outlines the state and federal regulatory structure.

6:06 – A 2024 Michigan bill attempts to limit PFAS in consumer products but is not passed.

 Resources:

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Resources:

Study: Ren et al., 2025. Suspect screening and nontargeted analysis of polyfluoroalkyl substances in Lake Huron water and biota. Journal of Great Lakes Research, 51(2):102507.

National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences: Perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS).

European Food Safety Authority: Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS).

U.S. Environmental Protection Agency: PFAS explained. 

Study: Yu et al., 2025. A global overview of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substance regulatory strategies and their environmental impact. Toxics, 13(4): 251.

Michigan Eat Safe Fish Guides.