High levels of persistent chemicals found in some Maine fish

High levels of persistent chemicals found in some Maine fish

Source: wabi

5/5/2022

Maine health authorities are advising limitations and prohibitions on consumption of freshwater fish from several waterways due to the discovery of persistent chemicals.

The Maine Center for Disease Control and Prevention said Thursday that the advisories follow testing of fish that found levels of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances above the state’s recommended levels for regular consumption.

The substances are also known as PFAS and are sometimes called “forever chemicals,” and they are linked to human health problems.

Elevated levels of the PFAS were detected in fish samples from the Police Athletic League Ponds and Fish Brook in Fairfield, Messalonskee Stream in Oakland and Waterville, Durepo Reservoir and Limestone Stream in Limestone, sections of Mousam River and Estes Pond in Sanford, Unity Pond in Unity, and the lower Presumpscot River in Westbrook.