Occurrence and Risks of Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances in Shellfish

Area of Science:

• Environmental Chemistry
• Ecotoxicology
• Food Safety

Background:

• Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are persistent chemicals with widespread industrial use.
• Seafood, particularly shellfish, is an underappreciated pathway for human exposure to PFAS.
• PFAS exposure is linked to adverse health effects in humans.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the occurrence of PFAS in shellfish globally.
• To identify knowledge gaps in PFAS bioaccumulation in shellfish.
• To highlight risks to shellfish consumers and inform policy.

Main Methods:

• Literature review synthesizing current research on PFAS in shellfish.
• Analysis of variability in sampling and analytical methodologies across studies.
• Assessment of PFAS concentrations in relation to geographic location, species, and habitat.

Main Results:

• Significant variability exists in PFAS concentrations and surveyed compounds across studies.
• Limited data are available on PFAS bioaccumulation in shellfish.
• PFAS levels in shellfish near aqueous film-forming foam (AFFF) sites and industrial areas may pose risks to frequent consumers.

Conclusions:

• Standardization of PFAS sampling and analytical techniques is urgently needed for comparable data.
• Expanded geographic sampling is critical for understanding global PFAS contamination.
• Further research is required to protect shellfish consumers and inform public health policies.