A new study by the Environmental Working Group (EWG) shows that drinking PFOS-infused water for a month straight or eating freshwater fish a year can deliver chemicals forever to the body, according to Interesting Engineering.
Forever Chemicals
Forever chemicals are toxic substances from waterproof, grease-resistant, or non-stir coatings on everyday items. Continuous exposure of forever chemicals can weaken the human immune system, which may lead to various health problems, such as cancer.
These chemicals are so widespread that traces can already be found in the blood of newborn infants. They are known as Per- and Polyfluorinated Substances (PFAS).
Perfluorooctane Sulfonate (PFOS) and Perfluorooctanoic Acid (PFOA) are the most common types of forever chemicals.
It is believed that those who eat packaged seafood consume more PFAS than those who hunt and eat aquatic animals.
The Findings
According to the study, forever chemicals have penetrated deep into the environment, and freshwater animals have higher amounts of PFOS in their bodies compared to packaged food items.
The study involved 500 fish samples taken from various freshwater bodies in the US. It revealed that the average concentration of forever chemicals in fish filets is at 9,500 nanograms per kilogram of the samples.
The data was compared to the amount of forever chemicals in store-bought first, in which freshwater fish was found to be 280 times higher than commercially sold fish.
With this, the amount of forever chemicals the body gets from store-bought first every day is the same as the PFAS that a human can get when consuming just one freshwater fish in a year.
What Happens Now?
Eating fish with high amounts of PFAS will increase the risk of thyroid and kidney disorders. In addition, they can also elevate blood cholesterol levels and undermine immune function systems. Therefore, this will make an individual more susceptible to various types of cancer.
To protect yourself, try to avoid packaged seafood and grilled fish when dining out. Instead, you can choose freshwater fish like catfish, white bass, sunfish, and bluegills.
You can also use non-stick and non-scratch frying pans and food preparation tools. Never use scratched or non-stick pans and tools. Wash these items properly after every use.
Avoid products that contain PFOA, PFOS, and PTFE in their ingredients. These are some of the most common PFAS chemicals.
If you have a fish pond at home, it is best to choose fish species that are not contaminated with PFAS. You also need to take extra measures in treating water in your fish pond.
It is alarming to know the hazards of forever chemicals among fish. The situation is bad, and even children are now exposed to PFAS chemicals. It is important to remember that these chemicals' effects are irreversible.
However, there are ways to keep your body safe from these chemicals. Choosing a water filter for your home or office is best to protect yourself from forever chemicals. You can also choose fish species that are not contaminated with these chemicals.
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