What are PFAS 'forever chemicals' found in fish?

PFAS are a class of man-made chemicals used in many products, known for their persistence in the environment and potential health risks.

Which regions have the highest PFAS contamination in fish?

Fish in Asia and the Pacific region show the highest concentrations, but North America and Europe have the highest consumption levels.

How does international trade affect PFAS exposure from fish?

Global trade complicates PFAS exposure by redistributing contaminated fish, making it harder to track and manage risks for consumers worldwide.

Home / Environment / Seafood Alert: 'Forever Chemicals' Contaminate Global Fish Supply

Seafood Alert: 'Forever Chemicals' Contaminate Global Fish Supply

19 Dec, 2025

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Summary

North America and Europe consume the highest PFAS levels from fish.
Asian and Pacific fish show highest chemical concentrations.
International trade complicates tracking of PFAS contamination risks.

Seafood Alert: 'Forever Chemicals' Contaminate Global Fish Supply

A recent study published in the journal Science indicates that 'forever chemicals,' specifically PFOA and PFOS, are accumulating in marine fish, posing a significant health risk to consumers. Researchers tracked these likely carcinogens in 212 species, finding the highest concentrations in fish from Asia and the Pacific region. However, due to extensive international trade and high consumption rates, people in North America and Europe are estimated to consume the largest overall quantities of PFAS through seafood.

The study highlights how global food trade patterns redistribute the risks associated with environmental contaminants. Unlike localized water contamination, PFAS exposure through fish is intricate due to the complex exchange of seafood across borders. While production phaseouts have helped decrease global PFAS levels, further actions are necessary to fully eliminate these chemicals from the world's seafood supply chain.