The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has issued updated recommendations under the Clean Water Act for contaminants that states, Tribes, and territories should consider monitoring in locally caught freshwater fish. For the first time, several per- and polyfluorinated substances (PFAS) have been added to the contaminant list alongside lead, three cyanotoxins, a flame retardant, and amphetamine. This recommendation to monitor twelve PFAS fulfills a key commitment in Administrator Regan’s PFAS Strategic Roadmap and aims to protect communities from exposure to these "forever chemicals."
“It’s important for EPA to continue advancing the science on PFAS as part of our comprehensive effort to protect the public from these harmful substances,” said EPA Acting Assistant Administrator for Water Bruno Pigott. “By considering the latest science in their local advisories and testing for PFAS in fish at a local level, states and Tribes can protect subsistence, recreational, and sport fishers.”
States, Tribes, and territories monitor and analyze contaminants in fish and shellfish caught in local freshwater bodies. When they find contaminants at concentrations that can negatively impact people’s health, they issue consumption advisories. Some state and territorial programs that issue fish and shellfish advisories rely on EPA’s recommendations to determine which contaminants to monitor.
Many states are already monitoring certain PFAS in fish and using local data to issue fish consumption advisories where appropriate. States with such advisories include Alabama, Connecticut, Indiana, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Oregon, Pennsylvania Washington.,and Wisconsin.
With this announcement,.EPA is suggesting that states,.Tribes,and territories monitor twelve PFAS along with other contaminants including lead.,cyanotoxins,a flame retardant,,and amphetamine..This update follows a review of scientific literature,,data analysis,and external peer review of the agency’s analysis.,It will help ensure that state.and Tribal.fish advisories.consider.the latest.science..
EPA’s most recent National Aquatic Resource Survey,,which monitors.fish tissue from lakes.and streams across.the country,,along with numerous other studies have found.PFAS.in freshwater.fish.and.shellfish.at levels that may impact.human.health..These studies indicate.the presence.of.PFAS.in fish,.but do not provide sufficient information.at.a.local.level.to inform.public health decisions..Thus,the role of.states.Tribes,and territories.in gathering.local.data.is essential..
EPA recommends that people who eat.locally-caught,freshwater.fish.and shellfish consult their.state Tribe or territory.to.determine.the.safe amount.of those fish.and.shellfish.to.eat.
For more information about EPA's lists of.contaminants.to.monitor.and guidance.for developing.fish.advisories,.please visit.EPA's.website.
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