Dangerous levels of ‘forever chemicals’ found in freshwater fish

Freshwater fish in the Great Lakes and the nation’s streams and rivers contain dangerous levels of “forever chemicals” including Perfluorooctane sulfonic acid (PFOS), per a study by the Environmental Working Group (EWG).

PFOS is a synthetic toxin phased out by the federal government. It is part of a family of perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances or PFAS and doesn’t break down easily in the environment.

The chemical entered into the water systems and has now been found in fish, threatening human safety.

Once ingested, these chemicals “could impact almost every organ in the body. The immune system is particularly sensitive to these types of chemicals,” said Dr Tasha Stoiber of the Environmental Working Group.