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FLORENCE, Wis. -- The Florence County Health and Land Conservation departments have called on residents to indicate if they may be interested in free well water testing for per and polyfluoroalkyl substances, or PFAS, in Florence County.
The regular cost to be tested by the Wisconsin State Lab of Hygiene is $450. Through this grant, the testing would be free. In addition, the health department can provide the kits through the main office at the courthouse. The department can assist with instructions and follow-up with results.
The grant requires 25 private well water kits to be collected. To be put on the list of interested individuals should the department be awarded the grant, call 715-997-2462, ext. 1810. They will only apply if there is enough interest.
PFAS are a group of human-made chemicals used for decades in numerous products. Some products containing PFAS may include stain-resistant carpet and fabric, non-stick cookware, firefighting foam, fast food packaging, electrical insulation and cosmetics.
PFAS persist in the environment and the human body for a long time. Research shows that exposure to certain PFAS may have harmful health effects in people, such as cancer, developmental delays, thyroid and heart issues, decreased immunity, obesity, high cholesterol, and infertility and low birth weight.
Recent PFAS laws, Act 200 and 201, are providing grant funds for testing private wells. Florence County Health Department, in the courthouse at 501 Lake Ave., can be reached at 715-528-4837. Hours are 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Thursday and by appointment only Fridays.