Baby bald eagles tested positive for PFAS and other legacy contaminants

By Lisa John Rogers | Great Lakes Now | July 18, 2025

Read the full article by Lisa John Rogers (Great Lakes Now)

"According to reporting by MLive, two researchers are studying blood samples from bald eagles across Michigan and the Great Lakes basin for evidence of chemical exposure to things like PFAS, DDT or PCBs — which were both banned in 1972 and 1979. Their sample set showed that eagles located closer to the lakes were approximately six times more contaminated with these chemicals than eagles nesting farther inland.

“Samples of blood taken from bald eagle chicks before they learn to fly show that legacy pollution, even contaminants banned decades ago, continue to harm Michigan’s natural environment,” said Sheri McWhirter from MLive.

An Illinois bill that would ban the use of forever chemicals is awaiting Gov. Pritzker’s signature. If signed into law, the plan would ban PFAS from cosmetics, dental floss, menstrual products, and more, according to WAND News."