A recent study led by Dartmouth College has raised concerns about the potential for increased exposure to PFAS (perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances) among individuals who consume seafood frequently. These chemicals, often referred to as “forever chemicals” due to their persistent nature, are found ubiquitously in the environment and are known for their durability. The study, published in the journal Exposure and Health, underscores the need for more robust public health guidelines limiting seafood consumption to reduce PFAS exposure.
The researchers, including Megan Romano, an associate professor of epidemiology at Dartmouth’s Geisel School of Medicine and the study’s corresponding author, emphasize that while seafood is an excellent source of lean protein and omega fatty acids, it may also be a significant, yet underappreciated, source of PFAS. According to Romano, the study aims not to discourage seafood consumption but to highlight the need for a balanced understanding of the risks and benefits, particularly for sensitive groups such as pregnant individuals and children.
The research conducted a meticulous examination of PFAS levels in commonly consumed marine species in New Hampshire—a state renowned for its high seafood consumption and located in a region with a historical prevalence of industrial pollution and PFAS contamination. The study specifically focused on marine species such as cod, haddock, lobster, salmon, scallops, shrimp, and tuna sourced from a coastal market in New Hampshire. Notably, shrimp and lobster exhibited alarmingly high levels of PFAS, with concentrations peaking at 3.30 nanograms per gram of flesh in certain samples.
Furthermore, the study highlighted that most existing research on PFAS contamination has concentrated on freshwater species, less commonly consumed than marine varieties, thus identifying a significant gap in the literature. Romano, whose work primarily investigates the impact of PFAS and other endocrine-disrupting chemicals in drinking water, pointed out the unique risk faced by New England’s seafood lovers.
Complementing this analysis was a statewide survey assessing the seafood consumption habits of New Hampshire residents. The survey revealed that men in New Hampshire consume just over one ounce of seafood daily, with women consuming slightly less. These figures are considerably higher than the national averages and underscore the importance of understanding local dietary habits when assessing exposure risks.
The presence of PFAS in the environment complicates tracing how these chemicals enter the marine food chain. However, the study suggests that shellfish might be particularly vulnerable to PFAS accumulation due to their feeding habits and habitat on the seafloor close to pollution sources. Moreover, larger marine species may absorb PFAS by consuming smaller, contaminated species.
This comprehensive research underscores the urgent necessity for regulatory guidelines specifically addressing PFAS in seafood, akin to those already in place for other contaminants like mercury. The absence of such guidelines leaves populations that frequently consume seafood, particularly in regions like New England, potentially exposed to these harmful chemicals.
Celia Chen, a co-author of the study and a research professor in the Department of Biological Sciences at Dartmouth, along with Kathryn Crawford, the study’s first author and an assistant professor of environmental studies at Middlebury College, both advocate for the establishment of consumption advisories that take into account the unique risks posed by PFAS. Such guidelines would protect vulnerable populations and allow the general public to continue enjoying seafood’s health benefits without undue exposure to these harmful chemicals.
This study is a crucial step in addressing the dual challenge of maintaining the dietary benefits of seafood while managing and mitigating the risks associated with persistent environmental pollutants like PFAS.
More information: Kathryn A. Crawford et al, Patterns of Seafood Consumption Among New Hampshire Residents Suggest Potential Exposure to Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances, Exposure and Health. DOI: 10.1007/s12403-024-00640-w
Journal information: Exposure and Health Provided by Dartmouth College
