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Freshwater fish and forever chemicals: A toxic romance |
Those with a penchant for large-mouthed bass, trout, catfish, and other freshwater fish may be getting dangerous doses of PFAS, aka “forever chemicals,” according to a new study. The authors found that eating one freshwater fish in the United States exposes you to a month’s worth of drinking water contaminated with PFAS.
Oil, heat, and water resistant, forever chemicals are the Keith Richards of synthetic chemicals. Because of their unique durability, they’re commonly used in everyday products, such as nonstick cookware, packaging, clothing, and personal care products. They’re also associated with a very long list of health issues, including:
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liver damage |
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women’s fertility issues |
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gestational diabetes |
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cancer |
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So, is it safer to stick to saltwater fish? Maybe. Maybe not. A 2019 study found certain marine fish had similarly high levels of forever chemicals, while a 2014 study from France found pretty much the opposite. (Forever chemicals aside, many species of marine fish contain high levels of mercury, which is toxic.)
Fish is incredibly healthy, nutrient-rich, and delicious. So if you aren’t ready to give it up, we get it. However, you might consider sticking to smaller species, like herring, sardines, and anchovies, which generally contain fewer hazardous chemicals due to their diet and shorter life spans. Smaller fish are also more sustainable, as they’re less susceptible to overfishing and require fewer resources to live.
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