Center for PFAS Research

What is PFAS?

Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are a class of over 4,000 chemicals. Many of these have been used in fire-fighting foams for extinguishing fuel fires, as water and stain-resistant coatings for furniture, carpeting, footwear, cookware, textiles, paper food packaging and more. Unlike the case for many other organic pollutants, PFAS in soil and water are not degraded by biological or biogeochemical processes.

Scientists and health professionals are concerned about PFAS because the chemicals are widespread in the environment, persist for long periods, and have been linked with human and natural resource health problems.

Mission

The main goals of the MSU Center for PFAS Research are to quantify and communicate PFAS risks, and mitigate their impacts on human health, agriculture, and natural resources. To accomplish this, researchers aim to:

Quantify exposure and risk for humans, livestock, crops, fish, and wildlife
Develop and test remediation strategies and technologies
Explore safer PFAS alternatives

Vision

The MSU Center for PFAS Research is positioned as a center of excellence at MSU that will be a go-to location for PFAS research as it pertains to contamination of agricultural and natural resources in the state of Michigan, in the U.S. and the world. Researchers are working with state government and other relevant stakeholders with an interest in PFAS-related issues.

News

New study of PFAS forever chemicals highlights need to reduce contamination in drinking water

Published on May 7, 2025
A new study involving researchers from MSU has revealed concerning findings on the long-term impact of PFAS exposure in communities affected by industrial contamination in drinking water sourced near an abandoned paper mill landfill
Otsego group gets $500K grant to track public health amid contamination concerns

Published on February 9, 2025
An Otsego community group has been awarded a $500,000 grant to help track long-term health issues it says are linked to pollution.