A New Study from the U.S. Discovers Concerning Levels of PFAS Chemicals in Various Seafood.
Research led by Dartmouth College in New Hampshire reveals that individuals who frequently consume seafood may face an increased risk of exposure to persistent chemicals known as PFAS.
PFAS (perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances) are a group of man-made toxic chemicals commonly found in consumer products such as plastics and non-stick coatings.
Salmon and other seafood provide numerous benefits, but overconsumption may increase the risk of PFAS exposure for individuals – (Photo: Simply Recipes/Ciara Kehoe).
The molecular stability of PFAS makes them nearly indestructible, leading to their designation as “forever chemicals.”
PFAS have been linked to cancer, birth defects, high cholesterol, thyroid disorders, liver issues, and reproductive problems.
In humans, PFAS is believed to be associated with cancer, birth defects, high cholesterol, thyroid disorders, liver issues, and reproductive problems.
These chemicals accumulate in soil, water, and wildlife, and research has shown that nearly all Americans have detectable levels of PFAS in their blood.
National data indicates that New Hampshire – along with the New England region – is one of the top seafood-consuming areas in the country, prompting researchers to investigate the community’s exposure to PFAS through fish and shellfish.
The researchers measured concentrations of 26 different PFAS types in the most commonly consumed seafood samples: cod, haddock, lobster, salmon, scallops, shrimp, and tuna.
They found that shrimp and lobster had the highest PFAS concentrations, averaging between 1.74 – 3.30 nanograms per gram of meat. For other fish and seafood species, the levels were below 1 nanogram.
The research team also conducted a survey of 1,829 New Hampshire residents to assess their seafood consumption levels. Results showed that men in New Hampshire consume an average of over 1 ounce (28.3 grams) of seafood daily, while women consume nearly 1 ounce. This figure is 1.5 times higher than the national average.
Meanwhile, children in New Hampshire aged 2 to 11 years consume approximately 0.2 ounces (5.7 grams) of seafood per day, the highest rate among children nationwide.
In the journal Exposure and Health, the researchers emphasized the need for stricter public health guidelines to establish safe levels of seafood consumption to limit PFAS exposure.
“Our study does not recommend that people stop eating seafood, as it is an excellent source of lean protein and omega-3 fatty acids. However, it also has the potential to be a source of PFAS exposure in humans that we are currently underestimating, especially for vulnerable groups such as pregnant women and children,” said Dr. Megan Romano, an associate professor of epidemiology at the Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth College.
Kathryn Crawford, an assistant professor of environmental studies at Middlebury College and the lead author of the study, added: “Individuals who maintain a balanced diet with moderate seafood consumption are likely to enjoy the health benefits of seafood without the risk of excessive PFAS exposure.“
