Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS): Anglers May Be Exposed to Harmful Chemicals in Their Catch

In this review, we focus on per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), synthetic compounds used for a variety of applications, including firefighting foam and manufacturing. Recently, researchers have linked human exposure to PFAS to negative health effects. Hundreds of communities are affected by PFAS contamination, which has raised awareness about the toxicity of these chemicals. Most work has focused on characterizing dangers to humans, and the effects of PFAS on the environment are under-studied. PFAS contamination of surface water can result in bioaccumulation and biomagnification in fishes. Studies have linked PFAS to lower fitness in fishes, and anglers who consume wild fish can have higher exposure to PFAS compared to the general population. These chemicals remain largely unregulated and the public has been unaware of the extent of contamination and their risk to human health until recently. We review known PFAS contamination of wild-caught fish, and their possible health risk through angler exposure in the Fairbanks North Star Borough, Alaska. The conclusions and recommendations from the case study can be applied to and are useful for PFAS-contaminated communities nationwide.