Forever Chemicals Found in More Maine Fish Raise Health Concerns

According to a recent update by the Maine Center for Disease Control and Prevention, toxic “forever chemicals” have been detected at unsafe levels in fish from four more freshwater sites across the state. These chemicals—specifically PFOS, a type of PFAS—were found in fish from Lovejoy Pond, Sebasticook River, Collyer Brook, and Androscoggin Lake, leading to new fish consumption advisories for locals and anglers.

PFAS, or per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, are industrial chemicals known for resisting heat, water, and oil. Unfortunately, they don’t break down in the environment or the human body, earning them the nickname “forever chemicals.” These pollutants often make their way into lakes and rivers through sludge fertilizer, old landfills, firefighting foam, and industrial waste. Once absorbed by fish, they pose significant health risks to humans who consume them.

The updated advisories are based on tests conducted in 2024, part of Maine’s broader effort to evaluate potential contamination across its 32,000 miles of rivers and 6,000 lakes. The latest recommendations include limiting intake to just one brook trout per month from Collyer Brook and only five fish per year from the Sebasticook River. Despite this, some of these waters continue to be stocked with trout, a practice public health advocates call misleading.

PFAS exposure has been linked to serious health issues, including kidney and liver damage, reduced vaccine response in children, pregnancy complications, and certain cancers. While Maine is working to reduce PFAS use by 2030 and has banned sludge spreading, the slow pace of testing means many fishing spots remain unchecked.

It’s time to demand stronger action. Let’s stop supporting industries that pollute our waters and push for plant-based alternatives that don’t rely on toxic chemicals or harm wildlife. Our rivers—and our health—depend on it.

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