Summary

This is a public health information document issued by the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) regarding soil contamination in areas affected by historical dioxin and furan releases. The document addresses environmental conditions in and around the Tittabawassee River and floodplain, which experienced contamination from industrial sources. Since 2010, cleanup efforts have been conducted according to an established remediation plan for areas requiring intervention. For areas where cleanup was not necessary, dioxins and furans remain present in the soil at levels deemed safe for everyday activities. The document emphasizes that while it is safe to occupy the area, residents and visitors should take precautions to minimize exposure.

The guidance provided includes three primary recommendations: do not disturb or excavate soil from affected areas; wash hands thoroughly with soap and water after soil contact, particularly before eating; and follow established consumption advisories for fish, wild game, and livestock, as dioxins and furans bioaccumulate in animal tissues. The document clarifies that exposure to these chemicals does not cause immediate illness and does not guarantee future sickness. For additional information, the MDHHS Environmental Health Hotline is available at 800-648-6942. The document includes QR codes linking to resources from MDHHS, the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE), the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), and the Saginaw-Tittabawassee Rivers Contamination Community Advisory Group.