Freshwater Fish Contains High Levels of 'Forever Chemicals,' Study Finds

What’s the story?

• A new study found that locally caught freshwater fish across the U.S. likely contains a high concentration of toxic chemical compounds known as “forever chemicals.”
• The findings, published in the Environmental Research multidisciplinary journal, discovered that the exceptionally high levels of perfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in fish caught in rivers and lakes could severely threaten human health. 
• According to the study, even one serving could contain levels 2,400 times greater than what’s recommended by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), which would have the same effect as drinking one month's worth of heavily contaminated drinking water.
• The researchers found that PFAS levels in fish are higher in the Great Lakes and urban areas. They also noted that the median amount of PFAS in U.S. freshwater fish is an alarming 280 times greater than that detected in some commercially sold fish. The project’s lead researcher, Nadia Barbo, is calling for action. Barbo said: 

“The extent that PFAS has contaminated fish is staggering. There should be a single health protective fish consumption advisory for freshwater fish across the country.”

What are PFAS?

• PFAS are synthetic chemicals developed in the 1940s, which became popular among manufacturers of non-stick cookware and cosmetics for their ability to repel water and oil and be temperature resistant. 
• PFAS travel through wastewater, contaminating natural environments, including agricultural sites, water reservoirs, the atmosphere, and even Arctic ice. 
• Known as “forever chemicals,” PFAS break down slowly over time. Co-author of the study, Dr. Tasha Stoiber, said: 

“PFAS do not disappear when products are thrown or flushed away. Our research shows that the most common disposal method may end up leading to further environmental pollution.”

• Some states and businesses have made efforts to decrease PFAS, but they remain a threat. Expert and researcher of PFAS in rainwater, Ian Collins, said:

“They are not declining noticeably because of the high persistence of PFAS and their ability to cycle from the ocean back to the atmosphere.” 

• Today’s study estimated that there could be more than 40,000 PFAS polluters in the U.S., which includes manufacturing facilities, municipal landfills, wastewater treatment plants, airports, and more. 

The dangers of PFAS

• Exposure to PFAS correlates to a weakened immune system, liver damage, gestational diabetes, an increased risk of certain cancers, higher cholesterol, and reproductive complications. 
• Dr. David Andrews, leader of the study, told South West News Services:

“People who consume freshwater fish, especially those who catch and eat fish regularly, are at risk of alarming levels of PFAS in their bodies.”

• While it’s difficult to identify the long-term health effects of exposure to PFAS, experts want people to be aware of how the chemicals may impact their overall health and take precautions when they can: testing drinking water, avoiding eating freshwater fish, avoiding products with PFAS, and more. 

Learn more about how to protect yourself from PFAS here. Are you concerned about exposure to these forever chemicals?

-Jamie Epstein

(Photo credit: iStock/JMichl)