New study finds dangerous levels of PFAs chemicals in locally caught fish

MILWAUKEE (CBS 58) -- A new scientific study has found dangerously high levels of PFAs -also known as "forever chemicals"- in freshwater fish in the Great Lakes. Environmental experts say that could pose a serious risk to human safety.

The chemicals have been a problem for years because they're very prevalent and they don't break down easily. They've contaminated public water systems and now, unsurprisingly, they've been found in fish.

Cheryl Nenn, of the Milwaukee Riverkeeper, said, "Sadly, I wasn't surprised. We do know that we have PFAs in our water samples."

Nenn said it was inevitable. The study from the US Environmental Protection Agency showed locally caught fish throughout the US are full of dangerous synthetic toxins.

Dr. Tasha Stoiber, of the Environmental Working Group, said, "These findings are especially concerning for people who eat freshwater fish."

Once ingested, PFAs chemicals can wreak havoc on the body. Dr. Stoiber said, "It could impact almost every organ in the body. The immune system is particularly sensitive to these types of chemicals."

They've been linked to several types of cancer and can disrupt hormones.

Dr. Stoiber said eating just four contaminated meals a year could almost double the level of PFAs in a person's blood.

The Riverkeepers are awaiting sample results taken from Milwaukee's rivers. Nenn said, "They'll definitely be positive, and they'll inform a lot of the fish consumption guidance that, unfortunately, we already have because of other contaminants."

Consumption guidelines already recommend just one serving per month for certain populations. The new study could create a chain reaction that impacts the economy.

A commercial fisherman said it's a troubling story but told us DNR experts have repeatedly said the levels in whitefish are "well below any need for a health advisory."

Nenn said, "I think there's really no practical way of removing a lot of these contaminants once they get into our water."

Research is ongoing, but science has a long way to go to even make a dent. Dr. Stoiber said, "This widespread contamination, this is a result of decades use of these chemicals that were virtually unregulated."

A similar study from the FDA looked at fish in the grocery stores: the level of PFAs in the grocery store fish was much lower than what was found in these freshwater fish.