- A new study found concerning levels of toxic PFAS, or “forever chemicals,” in seafood.
- PFAS are found in many foods, household, and personal products and are widely present in the environment.
- These human-made substances are the focus of a growing body of research given their potential toxicity and associations with serious health issues.
- The authors of the study do not suggest people stop eating seafood but urge more research into the effects of these chemicals in humans.
Per- and polyfuoroalkyl substances, or
Research into the effects of PFAS in humans is ongoing, as exposure to these chemicals has been associated with a range of serious health conditions.
Certain foods may contain forever chemicals, and depending where you live, your drinking water may contain PFAS. Forever chemicals are also found in some types of food packaging.
Now, research shows the risk of PFAS exposure is even greater for people who consume a heavy-seafood diet.
The study’s authors do not suggest people should avoid eating fish entirely, since seafood has many health benefits and PFAS are so ubiquitous in the environment, in general.
The study’s findings were published April 12 in the journal Exposure and Health.
The researchers investigated the eating habits and PFAS exposure of people living in Portsmouth, NH, an area in which seafood consumption is especially popular. The study consisted of two parts.
The researchers conducted a survey of 1,829 NH residents in June 2021 to learn the types of seafood they were consuming and how much. Included in the survey was seafood consumption data from adults and children ages 2–11.
Among the adults, 95% reported eating seafood within the last year, most often:
Researchers also purchased and analyzed a “seafood basket” of the most commonly consumed types of seafood from a Portsmouth market for analysis…
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