I’ve previously written in this space about chemical contamination problems throughout Michigan. Unfortunately, one major issue seems to be getting considerably worse.
In Ann Arbor and Scio Township, an expanding dioxane plume threatens the area’s drinking water supply. Although the plume’s progress is slow – it will take a period of years to reach the drinking supply – it is very difficult to stop. Recent testing shows that dioxane levels have rapidly increased in some areas around Ann Arbor.
Dioxane is a chemical with many applications, including stabilizing other chemicals and dissolving substances, and is a component of some medical equipment. It has been found as a dangerous contaminant in some cosmetics. Dioxane is considered a likely human carcinogen by the EPA and is thought to be dangerous at even very low levels.
