Locally caught freshwater fish contain PFAS toxins, study finds

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Fish caught in the freshwater of the nation’s major river streams and lakes contain dangerously high levels of perfluorooctane sulfonate, short for perfluorooctane sulfonic acid, a known industrial poison that the federal government has phased out, according to a study of data from the U.S. Environmental Agency. protection agency.

PFOS is part of the family of synthetic additives known as PFOS Perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances, or PFASwidely used since the 1950s to make consumer products nonstick and resistant to stains, water damage, and grease.

They are called “forever chemicals” because they do not degrade easily in the environment, and PFAS has leaked into drinking water for the nation Through public water networks and private wells. Experts say the chemicals then build up in the bodies of the fish, shellfish, livestock, dairy products and game animals that people eat.

“Levels of PFOS found in freshwater fish often exceeded 8,000 ppt,” said study co-author David Andrews, a senior scientist with the Environmental Working Group, the nonprofit environmental health organization that analyzed the data.

In comparison, the Environmental Protection Agency has…