Arizona Set to Release Fish Consumption Advisories Due to PFAS Contamination
The Arizona Department of Environmental Quality (ADEQ) is preparing to issue new advisories concerning the consumption of fish in specific regions of the state. This initiative follows the detection of elevated levels of PFAS, commonly referred to as “forever chemicals,” in recent studies.
These advisories will categorize fish consumption guidance into three levels: adhering to standard EPA and FDA guidelines, limited consumption, and a complete prohibition on eating. This marks PFAS as the second contaminant, alongside mercury, that the state will actively monitor.
PFAS are chemicals that have been associated with cancer and other serious health issues. While the department’s current maps do not display any PFAS advisories, they are anticipated to be rolled out in the coming weeks. The program, under the supervision of Erin Jordan with ADEQ, will particularly concentrate on PFOS, a specific type of PFAS.
“It’s really to empower our anglers out in the community, give them those decision-making tools to determine what they want to eat from what they catch in our environment,” stated Jordan.
Jordan further mentioned that preliminary data has already identified fish containing levels of PFAS that necessitate a “do-not-eat” advisory, though the specific lake from which these fish were caught has not been disclosed.
