Maine CDC Issues Updated Fish Consumption Advisories Due to PFAS Contamination

Introduction

The Maine Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has expanded its list of water bodies in Maine where fishing is not recommended due to elevated levels of toxic per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), commonly known as “forever chemicals.” This update aligns with Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 3: Good Health and Well-being, by protecting public health from hazardous environmental contaminants.

Updated Advisories and Affected Water Bodies

On Friday, the Maine CDC added six new entries to the advisory list, recommending limiting consumption of all fish or certain fish species from these locations. The advisories are based on fish tissue tests revealing PFAS concentrations exceeding the CDC’s safe consumption thresholds.

1. Lovejoy Pond, Albion
2. Sebasticook River, Burnham and Benton
3. Collyer Brook, Gray
4. Androscoggin Lake, Leeds and Wayne
5. Annabessacook Lake, Monmouth and Winthrop
6. Messalonskee Stream, Waterville (advisory extended due to elevated PFOS in surface water)

PFAS Contamination Details

• Elevated levels of perfluorooctane sulfonic acid (PFOS), a type of PFAS, were detected in fish tissue samples from the listed water bodies.
• PFAS are synthetic chemicals used in consumer products such as nonstick cookware, stain- and water-resistant fabrics, firefighting foams, and grease-resistant food packaging.
• In Maine, PFAS contamination primarily results from the application of municipal wastewater sludge on agricultural fields as fertilizer, highlighting the need for sustainable waste management practices in line with SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production.

Health Implications

Exposure to PFAS is linked to various adverse health effects, supporting the urgency of SDG 3. Documented impacts include:

• Altered liver and kidney function
• Changes in cholesterol levels
• Reduced immune response to vaccines in children
• Pregnancy complications
• Increased risk of kidney cancer and possibly testicular cancer

These findings are supported by a report from the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine.

Resources and Further Information

For detailed guidance on specific fish species to avoid, visit the official Maine CDC advisory page.

Additional resources include:

• Maine CDC PFAS Fish Consumption Advisory FAQ
• Maine CDC Scientific Brief: 2025 PFAS Fish Consumption Advisories

Conclusion

The Maine CDC’s updated fish consumption advisories underscore the critical need to address environmental pollution and protect public health, advancing progress toward SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-being), SDG 6 (Clean Water and Sanitation), and SDG 15 (Life on Land). Continued monitoring and sustainable environmental management strategies are essential to mitigate PFAS contamination and safeguard communities.

1. Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) Addressed or Connected

1. SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being – The article discusses health risks associated with exposure to PFAS chemicals, including liver and kidney damage, immune system effects, and cancer risks.
2. SDG 6: Clean Water and Sanitation – The contamination of water bodies with PFAS chemicals affects water quality and safety for consumption and fishing.
3. SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production – The article highlights the presence of PFAS in consumer products and environmental contamination through wastewater sludge used as fertilizer.
4. SDG 15: Life on Land – The contamination of freshwater ecosystems impacts aquatic life and biodiversity.

2. Specific Targets Under Those SDGs

1. SDG 3 – Target 3.9: Reduce the number of deaths and illnesses from hazardous chemicals and air, water, and soil pollution and contamination.
2. SDG 6 – Target 6.3: Improve water quality by reducing pollution, eliminating dumping, and minimizing release of hazardous chemicals and materials.
3. SDG 12 – Target 12.4: Achieve environmentally sound management of chemicals and all wastes throughout their life cycle to minimize adverse impacts on human health and the environment.
4. SDG 15 – Target 15.1: Ensure the conservation, restoration, and sustainable use of terrestrial and freshwater ecosystems.

3. Indicators Mentioned or Implied to Measure Progress

• Indicator 3.9.1: Mortality rate attributed to household and ambient air pollution and hazardous chemicals. Implied through health risks linked to PFAS exposure.
• Indicator 6.3.2: Proportion of bodies of water with good ambient water quality. Measured by PFAS levels in fish tissue and surface water in specific water bodies.
• Indicator 12.4.2: Hazardous waste generated per capita and proportion treated, and the release of hazardous chemicals. Implied by the presence of PFAS in consumer products and environmental contamination via sludge application.
• Indicator 15.1.1: Forest area, freshwater ecosystems, and protected areas coverage. Implied by advisories on freshwater fish consumption due to contamination affecting aquatic ecosystems.

4. Table of SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

Source: bangordailynews.com