MSU Hosts PFAS Awareness Week to Educate Students and Communities

By Andi Anderson

Michigan State University is hosting PFAS Awareness Week to help students, community members and agricultural producers learn more about per‑ and polyfluoroalkyl substances, commonly known as PFAS.

These manmade chemicals have been used since the 1940s in products such as waterproof clothing, carpeting, cosmetics, food packaging, metal plating materials and fire‑fighting foams.

PFAS chemicals are very difficult to break down in the environment, which is why they are often called “forever chemicals.” High levels of PFAS exposure have been linked to increased risks of certain cancers, thyroid disease, immune system impacts and reproductive issues.

To raise understanding of these chemicals and highlight the university’s research, MSU’s Center for PFAS Research and the PFAS Club will host a variety of events both on campus and online. All events are free and open to anyone who wants to learn more.

Activities include PFAS outreach tables, educational webinars and a movie night featuring Dark Waters, a film focused on PFAS contamination.

The week’s events will begin on Monday, March 16, 2026, with outreach tables near the rock on campus. On Tuesday, March 17, MSU Extension will offer an Introduction to PFAS in Agriculture webinar.

A PFAS Basics Webinar will be held on Wednesday, March 18, and on Thursday, March 19, the PFAS in Crops Webinar will take place. The same evening, a movie night will be held from 5:30–8:00 p.m. in Room 1415 of the Biomedical and Physical Sciences Building.

These webinars are especially valuable for agricultural producers who want to understand how PFAS chemicals can affect soil, crops and farm management decisions. Registration links are available for each webinar, and MSU Extension encourages participants to sign up early.

PFAS Awareness Week reflects MSU’s commitment to educating the public about environmental health and scientific research. Through hands‑on activities, expert presentations and student engagement, the university aims to give individuals the knowledge they need to better understand and manage potential PFAS exposure in daily life.

For more information, participants can visit MSU Extension’s website or register directly through the provided event links.

Photo Credit: michigan-state-university-msu