Fighting “Forever Chemicals”: Inside the Push to Clean Up PFAS in the Great Lakes (03-22-26)

About this episode

This episode discusses the impact of PFAS contamination in Michigan and the efforts to address it through grassroots advocacy.

PFAS—often called “forever chemicals”—are nearly impossible to break down, and they’ve quietly become one of the most widespread environmental and public health concerns facing Michigan and the Great Lakes region. On this episode of West Michigan Weekend, Phil Tower speaks with Tony Spaniola, co-founder of the Great Lakes PFAS Action Network , a coalition driven by people directly impacted by toxic PFAS contamination. Used for decades in everything from firefighting foam to stain-resistant fabrics, PFAS chemicals are now linked to serious health risks—and they’re showing up in drinking water across the region. In Michigan alone, more than 160 sites are contaminated, affecting nearly 2 million residents in communities from Rockford to Oscoda, Parchment, and beyond. Spaniola explains what PFAS are, why they’re so persistent, and how grassroots advocacy is pushing for accountability, large-scale cleanup, and stronger protections at both the state and federal levels. This conversation sheds light on a complex issue with real local impact—and the growing movement working to protect public health across the Great Lakes. Online: The Great Lakes PFAS Action Network Listen now on the…

People in this episode

Host: Phil Tower

Guest: Tony Spaniola

Topics covered

• PFAS
• environmental health
• public health
• Great Lakes
• grassroots advocacy
• contamination
• water safety

Keywords

• forever chemicals
• PFAS
• environmental concerns
• health risks
• drinking water
• cleanup efforts
• toxic contamination

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: Great Lakes PFAS Action Network

Places: Michigan, Great Lakes, Rockford, Oscoda, Parchment

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