Freshwater fish contaminated with toxic "forever chemicals" found in nearly every state
CBSN
Health experts have been sounding the alarm about PFAS, human-made toxic chemicals that last so long in the environment and people that they've been called "forever chemicals. The compounds have been linked to cancer and other illnesses, and more than 95% of all Americans who have been tested have detectable levels in their blood.
On Michigan lakes and rivers, biologists are testing fish for PFAS — which have been widely used for decades to make nonstick cookware, waterproof fabrics, firefighting foam and even cosmetics.
PFAS, or per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, were notably used by DuPont to make Teflon and 3M to make Scotchgard. Exposure to PFAS has been linked to a host of health issues, including kidney and testicular cancer, liver damage and even higher cholesterol, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Both DuPont and 3M have moved to limit the use of PFAS in their products.
