Risks of PFAS in Michigan Firefighters

Firefighters play an essential role in protecting our communities. As communities face increasing budget pressures and challenges associated with changing environmental conditions, the demands placed on fire departments continue to grow. While firefighting has always involved inherent risks, one area receiving increased attention is exposure to chemicals PFAS used in firefighting operations.

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The study below examines PFAS exposure among Michigan firefighters and found that firefighters generally have higher levels of certain PFAS compounds in their systems than the general population. Any opportunity to reduce unnecessary exposure is worth considering. The research suggests that policies limiting the use of PFAS-containing firefighting foams may be having a positive impact on reducing exposure levels.

Water should be used on fires whenever it is an effective option, although there are situations where firefighting foam remains the most appropriate and effective tool for controlling specific types of fires. Studies like this help inform decisions about how and when different suppression agents are used while balancing firefighter safety and operational effectiveness.

I encourage you to review the study and consider its findings.

I would also like to recognize a dedicated fire department in Michigan's Upper Peninsula that works tirelessly to serve its community. At a time when many departments across the country struggle with recruitment, this department continues to train and mentor a strong group of young volunteers. A dozen or more young recruits. Maintaining that level of preparedness and preparing them requires significant investments in training, equipment, and ongoing education.

For businesses and individuals looking for meaningful ways to support their communities, contributing to local fire departments can have a direct and lasting impact. Many donations may qualify as tax-deductible contributions, depending on your circumstances. Supporting local emergency services is an excellent example of corporate and community responsibility, and every contribution helps ensure firefighters have the training and equipment they need to protect lives and property.

If you would like more information about supporting local firefighting efforts, feel free to reach out, send a message to the right or send me an email. muradabel@gmail.com. I will point you in the right direction.

PFAS Exposure Among Michigan Firefighters: Key Findings from the PFOMS Surveillance Project (2019–2024)

• The PFAS in Firefighters of Michigan Surveillance (PFOMS) Project examined PFAS exposure among Michigan firefighters to better understand occupational exposure risks and inform prevention strategies.
• Data were collected between April 2021 and September 2023 from 1,023 firefighters representing 64 fire departments across Michigan.
• The study measured 39 PFAS compounds in blood samples and also tested drinking water from selected fire stations.
• PFOS, PFOA, PFHxS, PFNA, PFHpS, and PFDA were detected in nearly all participating firefighters, indicating widespread PFAS exposure.
• Some PFAS compounds, including PFHpS, PFDA, PFNA, PFUnA, PFBS, PFDoA, and MeFOSAA, were detected more frequently in Michigan firefighters than in the general U.S. population.
• Average blood concentrations for most PFAS were lower than those reported in recent national NHANES data, although PFOS and branched PFOS concentrations were somewhat higher among Michigan firefighters.
• Airport firefighters generally had higher PFAS concentrations than non-airport firefighters, suggesting differences in occupational exposure patterns.
• Urban firefighters tended to have higher concentrations of several PFAS compounds compared with non-urban firefighters.
• Drinking water at fire stations was not identified as a major source of PFAS exposure; PFAS detections were uncommon and usually below health comparison values.
• The report suggests that Michigan policies limiting PFAS-containing firefighting foam use may have contributed to reduced occupational exposure, although PFAS exposure remains present through multiple pathways such as gear, dust, and historical contamination.

Manani, P., Carrick, J., Hueter, C., Gray, J., Wasilevich, E., Geiger, M., & Groetsch, K. (2026). The PFAS in Firefighters of Michigan (PFOMS) Project: Biomonitoring of Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS) in Michigan firefighters (Report). Michigan Department of Health and Human Services, Environmental Health Bureau. Link

Discussion on Arts at the San Diego City Council Meeting (Rethinking)

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It is meant to be a 
little humorous. 

Budget cuts are never easy to discuss, and there will inevitably be people who are unhappy with the decisions that are made. In many cases, arts and cultural programs are among the first areas considered for reductions. However, that may not reflect the full picture of their contributions to economic development, tourism, community identity, education, and quality of life.

It is not my place to criticize decisions without understanding all of the facts and constraints involved. What I can say is that if there are ways to support the arts and other community assets that represent the fruits of societal development, those options deserve thoughtful consideration.

(Illustrative Only)
A hot potato ready
to burn the first person who
grabs it. Our budgets
in many places. A few
are running in the black
but many are struggling.
New ideas are needed.

The larger question may be how cities such as San Diego can increase revenue, reduce costs, improve efficiency, and maximize the effectiveness of existing resources. These challenges are not unique to San Diego; communities across the nation face similar pressures. Remember the national debt surpassed our GDP so something isn't running as efficiently as it should. There are lots of opinions on these issues and one can recognize the multiple perspectives,

 Perhaps this is an opportunity to examine organizational structures, resource allocation, departmental responsibilities, and overall outcomes to determine where adjustments could create the greatest benefit. That may involve reorganizing positions, restructuring departments, or identifying new approaches to delivering services.

Rather than focusing heavily on politics, it may be more productive to focus on solutions. How can arts and cultural organizations generate additional revenue? How can their economic and social contributions be better understood and measured? How can the city maximize opportunities while maintaining fiscal responsibility? Are there ways to pair the arts with the business community and tourism to maximize both? Synergy can sometimes be created by understanding what the root customer (citizens, tourists, etc.) need and pairing to maximize value, positive experiences, and theoretically revenue (i.e. greater coordination and resource sharing among the arts, business, government and focusing on making it part of the tourism and quality of life experiences to maximize future total revenue for stakeholders. Easier said then done.)

Public service is not an easy job, and these are not new challenges. In many cases, difficult decisions have simply been deferred over time. Now, many communities are being required to address them directly. Ding times up! ⌛🚩Let us keep that in mind that this is not one persons problem but a problem that has been brewing among many for a long time and it was easier not to look at it. Hot potatoe and someone had to grab it. 

What do you think? There is no right or wrong answer here—just an open discussion about challenges, opportunities, and potential solutions. The more we as a society discuss and are open to new ways, the more we will adjust as some practical ones come forward. This is why these topics should be of interest to people outside of government in general.

Fishing, Photography, and the Beauty of Escanaba Harbor in Pictures (Eating Safe Fish Guide)

Escanaba Swan

I can print most pictures up to
poster size for $50
Frame or Unframed. I do
this as a hobby so 50% for charity
and 50% for me. 
Send me a message to the right
or my email. 
You may check out My Gallery
and Art Page
muradabel@gmail.com

There’s something special about heading out on a beautiful day and casting a fishing line into the water. It doesn’t have to be an all-day adventure. Sometimes 20 minutes, a half hour, or an hour is enough to reconnect with nature. Whether you're standing on a pier, relaxing along the shoreline, or spending a few hours in a boat, these moments offer a chance to slow down and appreciate the world around us.

Along the way, you might spot ducks gliding across the water, swans passing by, or a breathtaking sunset reflecting off the harbor. These simple experiences remind us that life is about more than work and deadlines. Finding a healthy balance between productivity and enjoying the outdoors can make all the difference. Creativity comes from blank spaces.

For years, I focused on working hard and accomplishing goals. While those goals still matter, I've learned that making time for activities like fishing is just as important. Recently, I've been experimenting with artificial lures and a compact retractable fishing rod that fits easily in my car, making it simple to stop and fish whenever the opportunity arises.

The photographs featured here were taken while fishing in two beautiful locations in the Escanaba harbor. These images capture not only the fishing experience but also the natural beauty, wildlife, and peaceful atmosphere that make this area so special. Take a moment to browse the photos and enjoy a glimpse of the sights that make spending time outdoors worthwhile.

Escanaba Lighthouse

I can print most pictures up to
poster size for $50
Frame or Unframed. I do
this as a hobby so 50% for charity
and 50% for me. 
Send me a message to the right
or my email. 
You may check out My Gallery
and Art Page
muradabel@gmail.com

We have great water and we should always protect it. Reading about fishing and some of the issues our habitat faces allows us to create awareness of how our policies on a state or national level impact our world. While we have realatively clean fish here there are places where poor decisions have impacted entire communities. Forget politics and make good choices for yourself and society. Keep our environment clean. I eat the fish that I catch here...when I catch them. :) 

Check out, 

Michigan Upper Peninsula Eat Safe Fish Guide 2025

• Provides fish consumption guidelines for lakes, rivers, and waterways across Michigan’s Upper Peninsula.
• Lists recommended serving limits for different fish species based on contamination concerns such as mercury, PCBs, PFOS, selenium, and toxaphene.
• Organizes advisories by county, including Alger, Baraga, Chippewa, Delta, Dickinson, Gogebic, Houghton, and Iron Counties.
• Includes lake- and river-specific guidance for common fish species such as walleye, northern pike, yellow perch, bass, trout, and suckers.
• Advises “Do Not Eat” recommendations for certain fish in highly contaminated waters, especially larger northern pike, carp, and some PFOS-affected species.
• Notes that bluegill, perch, and other panfish are often considered safer “Best Choice” fish when not otherwise restricted.
• Encourages anglers to cross-reference Great Lakes guidelines for fish caught near Lake Superior, Lake Michigan, and Lake Huron.
• Includes maps and tested water bodies to help residents and anglers make safer fish consumption decisions throughout the Upper Peninsula.

Escanaba Aronson Island

Michigan Department of Health and Human Services. (2025). Upper Peninsula Eat Safe Fish Guide 2025. 

A couple of fish products worth considering:

Browsing around to see what might work well in this area. 

Panfish Kit: Looks like some interesting stuff. 

Backpack Tackle: I might actually consider getting this one for my retractable pole and gear. Makes more sense then just the bucket.

Telescope Rod: These types of rods are cool. I use them all the time. 

The Justice Gap: The Hypothetical Story of the Clan

When we review the study below, we find that throughout history there have been individuals and groups who have attempted to undermine justice systems and misuse institutions that were created to serve the public good. Their motivations may be financial, ideological, political, or rooted in other personal interests. At the same time, history also demonstrates the resilience of communities and the importance of maintaining a strong commitment to fairness, accountability, and ethical leadership. There are sometimes clear differences in purpose and intentionally misaligned outcomes.

The Hypothetical Story of the Clan serves as a philosophical illustration of the ongoing need for positive reform, personal responsibility, and a renewed commitment to the social contract. In this thought experiment, the justice system experiences significant challenges under the influence of extremism and years of hate normalization. The story explores themes such as intimidation, retaliation against whistleblowers and witnesses, misuse of public resources, restrictions on individual freedoms, and the consequences that arise when people lose sight of the principles they have sworn to uphold. Throughout the narrative, the importance of honoring one's commitments, acting with integrity, and doing what is right remains a central theme.

Despite these difficulties, the story ultimately offers a hopeful and optimistic conclusion. Through greater awareness, learning, and a renewed commitment to higher values and moral responsibility, positive change becomes possible. The narrative suggests that wisdom often emerges through experience and reflection, allowing societies to recognize past mistakes and build stronger foundations for the future. Some many never learn. There is a reason why some heuristic misjudgements keep reoccurring so awareness can change that. Awareness must come with more than the false promises and lip service on values some decision makers do not hold.

Perhaps most importantly, the story illustrates how adversity can sometimes become a catalyst for growth. Challenges that once appeared dismiss able can inspire communities to become more resilient, more united, and more committed to improving the institutions that serve them. As people seek better outcomes, they develop stronger standards, clearer expectations, and a greater understanding of the difference between right and wrong. The result is a healthier trajectory marked by stronger social cohesion, greater opportunity, and a deeper appreciation for justice and accountability. Good officials, officers and people are rewarded while those who undermine institutional health are eventually replaced leading to higher performance and trust.

As a philosophical thought experiment inspired by Plato's Allegory of the Cave and the concept of awareness, the story invites readers to draw their own conclusions. Different people will interpret its lessons in different ways. Those who look beyond immediate self-interest may discover deeper themes about justice, responsibility, truth, and the importance of maintaining institutions that serve the common good. Others may find lessons about perseverance, growth, and the human capacity to learn from experience. In the end, time often provides perspective, and perspective can lead to wisdom. Winning is a shallow goal, keeping eyes focused on simple things, while losing may be a pathway to something new, new knowledge, new insight, and new paths. 

Measuring the Justice Gap: Unmet Justice Needs Around the World

• The report was produced by the World Justice Project (WJP) to assess unmet justice needs globally through a people-centered approach.
• Justice is defined in terms of people's ability to resolve legal problems, access legal protections, and live free from severe forms of injustice.
• The study identified three major categories of unmet justice needs:
  • Inability to obtain justice for civil, administrative, or criminal problems.
  • Exclusion from opportunities provided by the law.
  • Living in extreme conditions of injustice.
• WJP estimated that approximately 5.1 billion people—about two-thirds of the world's population—experience at least one form of unmet justice need.
• About 1.5 billion people cannot obtain justice for civil, administrative, or criminal justice problems.
• Approximately 4.5 billion people are excluded from legal opportunities because they lack legal identity, secure employment protections, or housing and land tenure documentation.
• Around 253 million people live in extreme conditions of injustice, including statelessness, modern slavery, and severe state fragility.
• The report highlights that legal identity, formal employment, housing security, and access to justice systems are critical for economic opportunity and social inclusion.
• Researchers reviewed more than 600 data sources and developed ten measurement questions to estimate the global justice gap.
• The report emphasizes the need for better justice data and country-specific analysis to support evidence-based policies and achieve Sustainable Development Goal 16.3: equal access to justice for all.

Long, S. C., & Ponce, A. (2019). Measuring the justice gap: A people-centered assessment of unmet justice needs around the world. World Justice Project. https://worldjusticeproject.org/our-work/research-and-data/access-justice/measuring-justice-gap

Classic Car Cruise on Ludington Street in Escanaba

 One of the fun events in the Escanaba area this weekend was the cruise on Ludington Street. The event drew a large crowd, with people lining the streets to watch the parade of vehicles. Car enthusiasts came from across the region, bringing everything from beautifully restored classics to custom-built projects. Earlier in the day, activities in the park included live music, bands, and entertainment, all complemented by beautiful weather and a spectacular sunset.

We found a great viewing spot near the restaurant by Babbleoons, where we could comfortably watch the cars navigate the corner and appreciate the craftsmanship that went into many of these vehicles. As someone currently restoring an older car, I can personally attest to the amount of time and effort required. After nine months of work, I am only now getting through the mechanical issues before moving on to the bodywork. Restoring a vehicle is a major commitment, which makes it even more impressive to see so many finished projects on display. Some vehicles were fully restored, others were still works in progress, and many featured highly customized designs that showcased their owners' creativity.

The cruise was a successful event that brought a significant number of visitors to the area. Events like this help promote Escanaba, Gladstone, and Delta County, encouraging people to stay in local hotels, visit parks and businesses, and experience everything the community has to offer. They contribute to the growing reputation of the area as a popular destination in Michigan's Upper Peninsula and give visitors a reason to return and recommend the region to others.

A couple of items that would have been helpful. 

I was looking at these binoculars for some of the outdoor and photography stuff that I do. Night vision. Kine of cool. Night Vision Binoculars

That could also work well with a chair that holds beverages. This one has a canopy and I think it would work well to keep the sun off of you in these events. Also, one might consider for the beach in Escanaba or San Diego-two tourist destinations. Canvas Top Event Chair

Escanaba LogJam May 27th, 2026

This is an event you don't want to miss. This has always been fun and it helps brand the area. The summar is kicking off. Parks, people, beaches, brews, and bonfires. 

If your a local or vacationing consider the Amvets golf fundraiser at Woody's in the morning and then Log Jam in the afternoon. Go take a nap on the beach in between. 

Amvets Post #123 Golf Outing

 Don't miss some of the fun events coming up. Its a good cause. After that there is the Log Jam in downtown Escanaba. A perfect day!