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Considering all of the local chemical contamination from deadly chemicals in Ludington both by the city and private industry should any meat from residential deer be distributed? Read the following information and determine this for yourself.

State of Michigan report on Ludington contamination Click Here

Read information published by Shoreline Media about Ludington North side chemical contamination.  Click here for the shoreline media article or click here for addition information on the contamination Click Here for a PDF file. 

There is additional information from the United States EPA about other Ludington area contamination. Click Here 

This information is published by state agencies and is available online.

The five plumes containing the hazardous chemicals **trichloroethylene, hexavalent chromium, and cyanide are flowing in the groundwater underneath Ludington's north side, remnants of metal plating operations from the past at Ludington Plating, Handy Things, and Straits Steel & Wire Co ⁵. These chemicals can be harmful to animals that consume food and water in these areas. Trichloroethylene is the most frequently reported organic contaminant in groundwater and can cause liver and kidney damage, while hexavalent chromium compounds can be genotoxic carcinogens ³⁴⁶⁷. Cyanide is a highly toxic chemical that can cause respiratory failure, seizures, and death ⁵.

Trichloroethylene, hexavalent chromium, and cyanide are hazardous chemicals that can cause serious health problems in humans and animals. Trichloroethylene is associated with several types of cancers in humans, especially kidney, liver, cervix, and lymphatic system ²³. Animal studies have reported increases in lung, liver, kidney, and testicular tumors and lymphoma ². Hexavalent chromium is harmful to the eyes, skin, and respiratory system, and all Cr (VI) compounds are considered occupational carcinogens ¹. Studies of workers in chromate production, chromate pigment, and chrome electroplating industries employed before the 1980s show increased rates of lung cancer mortality. Certain hexavalent chromium compounds produced lung cancer in animals that had the compounds placed directly in their lungs ⁴. Cyanide is a highly toxic chemical that can cause serious health problems in humans and animals, including death. Cyanide can enter the environment through industrial processes, such as mining and electroplating, and natural processes, such as decomposition of organic matter. Cyanide can contaminate food and water sources, and animals that consume food and water in these areas can become contaminated with cyanide.

It is not safe to eat animals exposed to these hazardous chemicals. Animals that consume food and water in contaminated areas can become contaminated with these chemicals, and consuming contaminated animals can cause serious health problems in humans. It is important to avoid consuming animals that may have been exposed to these hazardous chemicals.

Being forewarned about this, will Ludington still distribute venison that can cause severe illness or death and can expose the city to significant liability.