PFAS don’t break down easily in the environment and can bioaccumulate and biomagnify in some wildlife, including edible portions of fish. Studies have shown that PFOS is measured more often and at higher concentrations in fish tissue than other PFAS compounds. The half-life of PFOS in fish is shorter than in humans or the environment. Thus, concentrations in fish decline more rapidly following declines in surface water concentrations.
Fish consumption is a potential exposure pathway to PFAS, for both the general population and for people living near PFAS contaminated waters. Several states, such as New Jersey, Minnesota, and Michigan, have issued guidance on PFOS fish consumption advisories. At this time, Pennsylvania does not have fish advisories for PFAS and fish have not been sampled for PFAS near the Willow Grove site. However, fish sampling for PFAS is being planned near the site by the Navy/Air National Guard.
There are many health benefits derived from eating fish that may outweigh the risk from the presence of a contaminant. While PFBC warnings do not currently include PFAS, additional information on Commonwealth fish advisories can be found here.