‘Forever chemicals’ in freshwater fish

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About the Map

‘Forever chemicals’ in freshwater fish

SEPTEMBER 26, 2023

Drinking water systems across the U.S. are contaminated with the “forever chemicals” known as PFAS. The presence of these toxic chemicals in water is known to harm humans who are exposed to them. This map shows how PFAS also contaminate fish in rivers, lakes and streams.

Each sample point represents a fish fillet composite of one to 10 aggregate samples of the same species from the same location.

Each clickable point on this map will show information about PFAS detections and the fish affected within particular states, based on data from the Environmental Protection Agency. We show the levels of PFAS found in fish fillets, listed in parts per trillion, or ppt.

For each state with a clickable point, you can see details about the body of water containing PFAS-contaminated fish, including the species names; when the PFAS samples were taken; the types of PFAS detected; and the amount of PFAS found in fish fillets, represented in ppt.

All locations represented on the map are approximate and intended to show the general area of a contamination site or a community water system. Locations were mapped using the best data available from official records.

Disclaimer: EWG has worked to ensure the accuracy of the information provided in this map. The map is dynamic. This contaminant site, results, suspected sources and other information in the database may change based on evolving science, new information or other factors. Please be advised that this information frequently relies on data obtained from many sources, and accordingly, EWG cannot guarantee the accuracy of the information provided or any analysis based thereon.

Data as of January 2023.

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