MADISON, WI (WSAU) — The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources is asking hunters near the Town of Stella to submit tissue samples from their deer for PFAS testing.
Anyone who bags a deer within three miles of the Town during any of the upcoming seasons; archery, gun, or muzzleloader- is asked to save 100 grams of both muscle and liver tissue. That’s about the size of an adult thumb.
The samples should be wrapped in aluminum foil and secured in a plastic zip-close bag. Hunters are also asked to record where the deer was taken by street address, nearest intersection, or GPS coordinates.
The sample and location can be dropped into the DNR’s CWD testing kiosk in Rhinelander. Samples will be processed in the order they are received and results will be available within 2-4 months.
Results will be shared with the Department of Health Services to determine if a consumption advisory will be posted for the area.
The Town of Stella is one of the PFAS hot spots in Wisconsin. Testing has shown private wells in the town contain dangerously high levels of the chenicals.
PFAS are human-made chemicals used in industrial processes and manufactured products. PFAS don’t break down easily and can remain in the environment for a long time. PFAS can accumulate in the human body slowly over time through repeat exposure, most commonly by eating food or drinking water that contains PFAS. High levels of PFAS in the body are harmful to human health.
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