A new study from the San Francisco Estuary Institute shows concerning levels of “forever chemicals” — or per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances — in at least 10 fish species in the San Francisco Bay, with contamination levels particularly high in the southern region. PFAS chemicals are considered dangerous due to their near-ubiquity in food and everyday-use products, as well as their inability to break down easily in the body and environment. They have been linked to a variety of conditions and diseases, including some cancers and reproductive issues. Studies have shown elevated PFAS levels in freshwater fish, and even though saltwater fish tend to see lower amounts, Rebecca Sutton, managing senior scientist at the San Francisco Estuary Institute, said studying fish in bodies of water like the San Francisco Bay is still critical.

Other PFAS news:

• KGO (San Francisco): New study of San Francisco Bay fish confirms concentrations of PFAS aka ‘forever chemicals’
• Chemical and Engineering News: PFAS in local beer come from local water
• Purdue University: News release: Purdue innovation takes aim at (PFAS) water contamination (in California), powered by industry partnership