[Milwaukee Journal Sentinel] MADISON — The state Department of Natural Resources has issued a number of notices over the last several years for anglers to limit their consumption of some fish caught in certain water bodies due to high levels of toxic "forever chemicals."
PFAS — or per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances — are a family of man-made chemicals used for their water- and stain-resistant qualities in products like clothing and carpet, nonstick cookware, packaging and firefighting foam.
PFOS (perfluorooctane sulfonate), one of the most well-researched in the family of compounds, has most often been found in the tissue of fish harvested and tested by the DNR.
The chemicals have been linked to types of kidney and testicular cancers, lower birth weights, harm to immune and reproductive systems, altered hormone regulation and altered thyroid hormones. The chemicals enter the human body largely through drinking water.
The chemicals can also accumulate in the body of people who routinely consume fish caught in waters with high levels of PFAS.
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