MARINETTE, WI (WTAQ-WLUK) – The state Department of Natural Resources has a warning. Don’t eat the liver of deer killed within five miles of the Tyco Fire Technology Center in Marinette.
Recent testing showed high levels of chemicals known as PFAS in the livers of 20 deer harvested in the area.
According to the CDC, PFAS, or polyfluoroalkyl substances, are man-made chemicals used in a variety of non-stick products such as fire-fighting foam. They can increase cancer risk, affect growth, learning, and women’s fertility.
Johnson Controls has said it used firefighting foam containing PFAS at its Tyco Fire Products testing facility in Marinette. The chemicals have turned up in waterways and groundwater in the Marinette and Peshtigo areas.
The DNR says venison, or meat from deer muscle, and heart meat are safe to eat, with either very low or undetected levels of PFAS.
“We want to be clear that people should feel comfortable eating venison from deer they’ve harvested near this area,” Tami Ryan, DNR wildlife health section chief, said in a news release. “We just advise they do not consume the liver.”
The Tyco facility is located at 2700 Industrial Parkway in Marinette.
Wisconsin’s bowhunting season began over the weekend, and runs through January 3rd. The gun deer season runs from November 21st to the 29th.
The DNR is planning online listening sessions to explain more about the deer sample testing and the latest on testing for and managing PFAS in water sources.
Sessions are set for 12-2 p.m. and 6-7:30 p.m. They will use the Zoom video chat platform. No pre-registration is required.
To learn more about participating, visit the DNR’s website.
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