The state has updated freshwater fish consumption advisories after elevated levels of the chemical perfluorooctane sulfonic acid were detected in seven fresh water bodies.
The chemical is part of a group known as PFAS, often referred to as “forever chemicals” because they don’t break down in the environment, have been linked to the increased risk of prostate, kidney and testicular cancers, decreased fertility, low birth weights, high cholesterol levels and risk of obesity, according to the Maine Department of Environmental Protection.
According to the Maine Center for Disease Control and Prevention, elevated levels of perfluorooctane sulfonic acid were detected in fish tissue samples from McGrath Pond and Salmon Lake in Belgrade and Oakland, Aroostook River in Caribou, Kenduskeag Stream in Kenduskeag and Bangor, Kennebec River in Waterville, Limestone Stream in Fort Fairfield, Annabessacook Lake in Monmouth and Winthrop, and Sandy and Halfmoon Streams in Unity and Thorndike.
Sixteen waterbodies in Maine have a freshwater fish consumption advisory. All fish consumption advisories are listed on Maine CDC’s website.