Livewell

Contaminant

PFOA

A "forever chemical" from the PFAS family.

What it is

Perfluorooctanoic acid is a PFAS compound once used to make nonstick and waterproof products. Like other PFAS it persists indefinitely in the environment and the body and accumulates in fish downstream of industrial discharge. Associated with kidney and testicular cancer, thyroid disease, 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 PFOA advisories

2 waters across 1 state.