North Carolina health officials have issued a fish consumption advisory in response to concerns over contamination by perfluorooctane sulfonic acid (PFOS), a substance classified as a 'forever chemical.'
The advisory recommends limits on the consumption of certain freshwater fish from the middle and lower Cape Fear River, spanning from Fayetteville to Wilmington, due to elevated levels of PFOS found in the fish.
Fish Consumption Advisory Recommendations
The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services (NCDHHS) recently conducted tests on fish samples collected from the Cape Fear River area.
According to NC Child, the results revealed the presence of PFOS, a member of the per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) group, which are known for their resistance to environmental degradation. PFAS substances are commonly referred to as 'forever chemicals' due to their persistent nature.
According to the NCDHHS, long-term exposure to PFAS has been linked to various health effects, including an increased risk of certain cancers, especially in children and adults. Other states have also issued similar advisories to limit the consumption of fish contaminated with PFAS.
The recently issued advisory outlines specific recommendations for different species of fish and target groups.
Women of child-bearing age and children are urged to avoid consuming bluegill, flathead catfish, largemouth bass, redear, and striped bass caught from the affected portions of the Cape Fear River. Other adults are advised to limit their consumption of these species to just one meal per year.
According to the Associated Press, for American shad, blue catfish, and channel catfish, the advisory recommends that women of child-bearing age and children consume only one meal per year, while other adults may consume up to seven meals annually.
The NCDHHS emphasized that the advisory was developed using a newly released PFOS reference dose provided by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA).
As a result, the limits imposed by North Carolina are more stringent compared to those in many other states.
Emerging Concerns over PFAS
PFAS are emerging as a significant public health concern, with various potential sources of exposure. These include contaminated drinking water, food, indoor dust, certain consumer products, and workplaces. Communities that frequently catch and consume fish may experience higher levels of PFAS exposure.
Studies have highlighted the negative effects of PFAS on growth, learning, and behavior in children, reduced fertility, impaired thyroid function, elevated cholesterol levels, weakened immune system response, and an increased risk of certain cancers, such as testicular and kidney cancer.
According to NCDHHS, Dr. Elizabeth Cuervo Tilson, State Health Director and NCDHHS Chief Medical Officer, emphasized the importance of providing residents with recommendations to make informed decisions regarding fish consumption, particularly for those who regularly catch and eat fish from the affected area of the Cape Fear River.
Similar Advisories in Other States
North Carolina is not alone in issuing site-specific PFAS fish advisories. States like Pennsylvania, Michigan, and Wisconsin have also implemented such advisories, which range from complete avoidance to recommended consumption limits of one meal per week. However, North Carolina's advisory stands out for its use of the newly released lower reference dose for PFOS, ensuring enhanced protection for its residents.
In addition to PFAS concerns, North Carolina already has existing fish advisories related to mercury and other contaminants. The state continues to monitor and address potential risks to safeguard public health.
Dr. Zack Moore, NCDHHS State Epidemiologist, acknowledged the community's long-standing requests for information on PFAS in fish, especially following the discovery of GenX in the Cape Fear River.
While acknowledging the complexity of the situation, officials hope that providing this information will empower residents to make the best decisions for themselves and their families when it comes to consuming fish from the affected area.
