In a recent study published by the Journal of Applied Toxicology, researchers examined the levels of toxic PFAS chemicals in the eggs of northern gannets — a species of seabird — over a 55-year period in Canada.
In short:
- Of the 17 types of PFAS examined, PFOS was the main contaminant, peaking in the mid-1990s and slowly declining over time, reflecting the implementation of PFAS regulations and restrictions.
- PFAS were confirmed to have environmental half-lives (the amount of time required for them to break down by 50%) lasting for multiple decades, with PFOA having the longest half-life at 51 years.
- While PFAS levels did drop in response to regulations, their long half-lives resulted in a very slow decrease in contamination, with levels remaining above the threshold for severe reproductive effects from the 1980s until 2010.
Key quote:
“These findings highlight the persistent nature of PFAS contamination and underline the importance of regulations, long-term research, and risk assessment.”
Why this matters:
Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) have been used widely by industry since the 1950s and take decades to break down once in the environment, earning them the name “forever chemicals.” Seabirds play an important role as indicators of ecosystem health due to their position in the food chain, but PFAS exposure is not limited to wildlife – analyses from the US National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey have found that nearly all Americans have PFAS in their blood. While the results of this study reaffirm that regulation is an effective tool for decreasing exposure to toxic chemicals, the authors emphasize that meaningful changes in the levels of persistent chemicals can be slow, making ongoing scientific monitoring and regulatory commitment critical.
Related EHN coverage:
More resources: The Bonisoli-Alquati lab at California State Polytechnic University, Pomona provides an interactive map of PFAS contamination in birds around the world.
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