The 25th largest state in the U.S., Illinois is admired for its natural beauty and green farmlands.
Bordered by 880 miles of rivers, the Mississippi, Ohio and Wabash run through the “Prairie State.”
Unfortunately, a study that found widespread toxic per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in fish tissues has tainted the image of the state’s pristine waterways.
Also known as “forever chemicals,” PFAS has a long and tragic history tied to the firefighting sector, culminating in a slew of AFFF firefighting foam lawsuits.
According to Food Safety Magazine, researchers concentrated on nine species of fish commonly caught while fishing across four northwest Illinois waterways.
The analysis found PFAS in fish in varying concentrations, with levels exceeding advisory thresholds for human consumption in some samples.
What exactly makes PFAS toxic? The chemical is found in aqueous film-forming foam (AFFF), firefighting foam used to put out flammable liquid fires. AFFF exposure resulted in firefighters being diagnosed with thyroid cancer, kidney cancer and other serious health risks.
PFAS contamination is known to cause prostate cancer and other health issues which is why firefighters across the U.S. filed AFFF lawsuits.
Due to their inability to break down in the environment or the human body, PFAS is increasingly concerning to the scientific community, especially since the compound is still widely used in consumer products.
Being exposed to firefighting foam and subsequently increasing the risk of several cancers has seen pending AFFF lawsuits and AFFF personal injury cases dominating the workloads of firefighting foam lawyers.
Recent University of Buffalo findings show that PFAS can cross the blood-brain barrier, accumulate in brain tissue, and disrupt brain health-related genes.
TruLaw says as researchers continue to explore PFAS’s effects, the revelation could influence future regulations and legal accountability.
With all the bad press Illinois has been receiving on contaminated fish, it’s refreshing to see that Alton was recently bestowed the honor of the state’s “most charming small town”.
Compiled by HGTV, the town beat some stiff competition to earn the top spot in the list. The hometown of jazz great Miles Davis is ideally located where Route 66 and the Great River Road intersect.
The towering limestone bluffs surrounding the town make it one of the best spots in the country to see the mighty bald eagle. January and February are eagle-watching seasons, inaugurated by the annual Alton Audubon Eagle Ice Festival.
There’s another reason why Alton has gained widespread interest. It’s reportedly one of the most haunted small towns in the U.S.
Paranormal tourism feeds the insatiable hunger to know what lies beneath. That saying about curiosity killing the cat is disregarded by ghost-hunting tourists.
Besides haunting attractions, Alton has also earned the moniker of one of the creepiest places in the U.S., one being McPike Mansion.
The three-story brick home was built in the late 19th century and was once the abode of Alton Mayor Henry Guest McPike.
A few years ago, the mansion went viral on social media. The current owner of the property, Sharon Luedke, posted an image on Facebook. A photographer captured what appeared to be an old man standing at the window on the second floor.
The house has been investigated for paranormal activity. Luedke believes it is haunted by two ghosts: former owner Paul Laichnger and a servant, Sarah Wells.
Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, the property remained empty until it was purchased and restored as a hotel. However, the hotel launch never got off the ground.
The good news is that visitors can tour the haunted McPike Mansion. You might even make it through the night at the annual campouts if you are brave enough.
Located in the Fourth Ward, Mexico is quite the attraction in Alton. The mostly Black neighborhood is a thriving metropolis for businesses.
Residents hope to create more awareness around their community, reports Blavity News with the formation of the Back To Mexico Committee. One concern is the increased number of vacant lots in the area.
Alton played a pivotal role during slavery. Black families settled near the town’s riverfront and were protected by abolitionists.
How did Mexico get its name? Alton was populated by Mexican citizens working in factories. Most left the area due to being mistreated in the factories.
Many cities lack the charm of small towns. And in Illinois, charm and warmth are in big supply.
Alton is only one of many places to visit that offer authentic communities working hard to preserve their heritage. Home to the National Great Rivers Museum, the town is well aware of its historical significance.
A vibrant art scene nurtures up-and-coming artists, while the Alton Little Theater supports local talent.
Eating fish from Illinois’ waterways might be taking a gamble right now. But, there’s no denying the quintessential small-town charm of Alton.
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