Why PFAS Matters | ForeverCatch

The Chemicals That Never LeaveWhy PFAS in freshwater fish matters

PFAS, often called "forever chemicals," break down very slowly and build up in fish and in the people who eat them. A 2023 analysis of more than 500 EPA composite fish samples found that freshwater fish across the U.S. carry far more PFAS than fish sold in stores.

The EPA links PFAS exposure to some cancers (kidney, testicular and prostate), lower fertility, developmental effects in children, a weaker immune response and higher cholesterol.

278x higher median PFAS in U.S. freshwater fish than in store-bought fish.
One serving a year of a typical freshwater fish can noticeably raise PFOS levels in the blood.
Zero is the EPA's health-based goal for PFOA and PFOS in drinking water.

Sources: Barbo et al., Environmental Research (2023); U.S. EPA, health effects of PFAS; U.S. EPA, PFAS drinking water standard.

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