Livewell

Contaminant

PFOS

A "forever chemical" from the PFAS family.

What it is

Perfluorooctane sulfonate is one of the most common PFAS compounds, historically used in firefighting foam, stain repellents, and nonstick coatings. It does not break down in the environment or the body, binds to protein, and builds up in fish near industrial sites, airports, and military bases. Linked to liver, immune, and developmental effects and to elevated cholesterol.

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 PFOS advisories

340 waters across 9 states, showing the first 200.