Livewell

Contaminant

PFAS

A large family of "forever chemicals."

What it is

Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances are thousands of synthetic chemicals used in nonstick, waterproof, and stain-resistant products and firefighting foam. They resist breaking down — earning the "forever chemicals" name — and accumulate in fish. Linked to cancer, immune suppression, thyroid disruption, and developmental effects.

Cleaning and cooking will not help

Cleaning and cooking won't lower it — it's bound in the flesh, not the fat. Your only levers are eating fewer meals and choosing waters without this advisory.

How to prepare it

  • Cleaning and cooking won't lower it — it binds to the protein in the flesh, not the fat.
  • Eat fewer meals, and favor waters and species without this advisory.
  • Smaller, younger fish generally carry less.

Waters with PFAS advisories

104 waters across 8 states.