PFAS Contamination Makes NC Fish Unsafe to Eat

The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services (NCDHHS) issued consumption advisories for fish in the Middle and Lower Cape Fear. These new advisories find that many freshwater fish caught in these waterways are no longer safe to consume frequently due to PFAS contamination. 

This comes after testing conducted by the NC Department of Environmental Quality and the NC Wildlife Resources Commission. According to the press release, the departments sampled commonly caught and consumed fish along the lower and middle cape fear regions and found PFAS in all species collected. As a result the following advisories were issued last Thursday, July 13th. 

“Consumers in North Carolina deserve to know that the food we eat and water we drink is free from toxic chemicals,” said Katie Craig NCPIRG State Director. “While politicians in our state continue to fail to act in the name of freedom from regulation, these advisories are a somber reminder that the consequences of unchecked power for special interests make all of us less free to pursue the healthy, toxic free lives we deserve.” 

According to the release, if you or someone you know is concerned about possible exposure to PFAS chemicals, you should consult the NCDHHS Clinician Memo.