It’s an unfortunate reflection of our times and the insidious creep of “forever chemicals” into the environment.

With people likely to do some outdoor recreation over the Memorial Day weekend, the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services this week reminded residents and visitors to avoid foam on lakes, rivers, streams and other surface waters.

Foam can form on any body of water, the MDHHS advised in a news release. It can be white, off-white or brown, and may have an earthy or fishy scent. It tends to pile up in bays, eddies, dams or other river barriers.

But foam can contain harmful chemicals or bacteria, including high levels of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, or PFAS, according to the MDHHS. PFAS are a large group of human-made chemicals that are linked to harmful health effects, including high cholesterol and liver damage.

MDHHS recommends anyone who touches foam rinse off or bathe as soon as possible.

“The risk of PFAS exposure through your skin is low. However, you can accidentally swallow PFAS, as well as bacteria, algae, viruses and other chemicals, if you do not rinse off or bathe after touching foam,” Dr. Natasha Bagdasarian, chief medical executive, said in the news release. “Rinsing off or bathing after water activities will help protect you, your family and your pets from harmful substances that may be in foam or water.”

The Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development recommends people prevent their pets from touching or swallowing foam on bodies of water as well. Animals can swallow foam residue that has built up in their fur when grooming themselves, MDARD noted. If pets come in contact with foam, they should be rinsed off and bathed with fresh water. Pet owners with questions related to animals and foam should contact their veterinarian.

Anyone with questions about exposure to PFAS or foam can call the MDHHS Environmental Health Hotline at 800-648-6942.

More information about PFAS in foam on surface water is available at “FAQ: PFAS foam on lakes and streams,” https://www.michigan.gov/pfasresponse/faq/categories/pfas-foam-on-lakes-and-streams. The site includes a form to report suspected PFAS foam.

For more information about PFAS, go online to Michigan.gov/PFAS.