The web Browser you are currently using is unsupported, and some features of this site may not work as intended. Please update to a modern browser such as Chrome, Firefox or Edge to experience all features Michigan.gov has to offer.
Taking Part in the MiChEM Program
What is the purpose of MiChEM?
The MiChEM program is an ongoing effort to gather data on the amount of certain chemicals in the blood and urine of Michiganders, including lead, mercury and PFAS. This program will help MDHHS understand more about chemical exposures of Michigan residents. Taking part in MiChEM is completely free. Those invited to the program will receive a packet in the mail with a program invitation and information about the program.
How do I register?
- To register the adults in your household, visit https://is.gd/GVBh6T, enter the code from your letter, and follow the steps on the screen. If you received an invitation or participated before, your household can register again.
- If you prefer, call 844-464-7327 between 9 a.m. and 6 p.m., Monday through Friday and you can talk to the MiChEM program team. One adult per household will be randomly selected. Appointments are on a first come, first serve basis. We will be in each area for a short time, so sign up now!
What will participants do?
Participants will answer survey questions online or by phone. This survey will take about 30-45 minutes to complete. These questions are about how they may have come in contact with certain chemicals.
During the appointment, a trained professional will collect a blood sample. Participants will be asked for a urine sample.
Once participants complete these steps, they will receive:
- A $75 Visa gift card.
- Personal lab results for the 195 chemicals that we measured that we measured in their blood and urine sample. Resources on how to reduce chemical exposures will be included.
Why was my household selected for MiChEM?
- We used a statistical method to select households in different areas of the state to represent the state as a whole.
- Over time, Michigan's population changes. Our statistical method for selecting areas is updated to reflect these changes. This means that it may select parts of the state that were not selected before.
Please note that all adults in selected households are eligible to register. However, we will randomly select only one adult from each household to participate.
Can those who did not get an invitation join the program?
No. Only selected households can join the program.
Will participants get their lab results?
Yes. Participants can get their results in a secure, online portal or by mail. The results will tell participants the amount of certain chemicals in their blood and urine when the samples were taken.
The lab results cannot:
- Show participants where the chemicals in their blood and urine came from.
- Tell participants anything about chemicals MiChEM did not measure.
MiChEM results are not intended to diagnose current illness or predict future illness. Most people will not learn anything about their health from their MiChEM results.
How will participant data and samples be protected?
All samples and information will be stored securely at MDHHS. MDHHS will protect results to the fullest extent allowed by law. MDHHS will not give other parties participants' data without their written permission.
Any reports or articles about the program will only talk about group results. These reports or articles will not include information that could identify participants, such as their name or contact information.
Jump to Page:
- MiChEM Program Main Page
- Information for Health Care Providers
- The MiChEM Program Team
- Resources
- MiChEM Results
- Contact Us
If you have questions about the Michigan Chemical Exposure Monitoring (MiChEM) program, call 844-464-7327.