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Dioxins found in 16 private water wells in Allegan, Kalamazoo Counties

In July, 56 private wells were tested for chemicals originating from waste from local paper mills.
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Modern bathroom faucet, file photo.

ALLEGAN, Mich. - Preliminary test results from private water wells in the Ostego area found that 16 wells are contaminated with dioxins.

The Allegan County Health Department said that residents raised concerns about contamination to federal and state agencies earlier this year. In July, 56 private wells were tested for chemicals originating from waste from local paper mills.

Of those 56, chemicals were found in 14 wells in Allegan County and two wells in Kalamazoo County, found the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services and the Michigan Department of Environmental Quality.

Those 16 homeowners are being contacted by their health departments.

Dioxins are well-known environmental pollutants that are potentially highly toxic. The World Health Organization says that long-term exposure to dioxins can cause damage to the immune system, interfere with hormones and cause cancer.

Residents with questions can call the Allegan County Health Department’s Hotline at 269-686-4546 from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Residents can also contact the MDHHS Toxicologist at 1-800-648-6942 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday for further information about dioxins.

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