A new study found that Wisconsin residents consuming microwaved popcorn and locally caught fish had higher PFAS levels in their blood, though other factors may also contribute.
Trevor Hook reports for Wisconsin Public Radio.
In short:
- More than 96% of Wisconsin adults tested had detectable levels of PFAS, often called "forever chemicals."
- Older white men and those with higher incomes had higher PFAS concentrations.
- The study linked microwaved popcorn and locally caught fish with higher PFAS, but more research is needed to confirm direct causation.
Key quote:
“The information we had on eating locally caught fish wasn’t very detailed. So we weren’t able to look at how many locally caught fish an individual ate per year, and if that’s related to increased dose of PFAS exposure.”
— Amy Shultz, an epidemiology senior data scientist
Why this matters:
PFAS exposure has been associated with negative health effects like cancer and immune system issues. Understanding how these chemicals enter our bodies can help shape policy and reduce risk, especially in vulnerable populations.
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