Reevaluating PFAS exposure risks from marine fish

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Source: Science Magazine

Original: https://www.science.org/doi/abs/10.1126/science.aed7431?af=R...

Published: 2025-12-18T07:00:11Z

The study reassesses the risks of exposure to per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) from the consumption of marine fish at a global level[1][2]. Modelling included 212 fish species, bioaccumulation data, global fish catch and trade in 44 countries from 2010-2021[1][5]. Exposures to C8-PFAS are highest in Asia (e.g. Saudi Arabia, Thailand) and Oceania (east coast of Australia), where they exceed the global average, while they are lowest in Africa and North America[1][4]. Exposure to PFOS is more than an order of magnitude higher than to PFOA due to the greater stability and bioaccumulation of PFOS in fish[1]. The Hazard Index is less than 1 in most countries, indicating a low health risk, but exceeds 1 in Greenland and Denmark with high fish consumption[2]. Global fish trade shifts risk from areas of high contamination to areas of low contamination, with Europe being the main hub for transport of PFAS through trade[1][2][4]. The phase-out of legacy PFAS production has reduced the risk of PFOS exposure in marine fish by 72% since 2009[3]. The study highlights the need for global cooperation and stricter rules for international fish trade to minimize exposure[1][3].