Don't Eat The Fish: Advisory Issued For 3 Species From Prince George's County Creek

PRINCE GEORGE'S COUNTY, MD — For the first time, the state has issued a fish consumption advisory based upon levels of a chemical compound in a class known as PFAS, or per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances.

The advisory applies to three species of fish caught in Piscataway Creek in Prince George's County after the state sampled fish there and completed a scientific review of health risks posed by levels of PFOS (perfluorooctane sulfonate), one of the more widely studied PFAS chemicals. The recommended monthly limits are for redbreast sunfish and yellow bullhead catfish in the non-tidal portion of Piscataway Creek and largemouth bass in the tidal headwaters of Piscataway Creek.

The new guidelines recommend the following:

• Adults and children should eat no more than one meal a month of redbreast sunfish from Piscataway Creek.

• Children should eat no more than seven meals per month of yellow bullhead catfish from the creek.
• Adults should eat no more than three meals per month of largemouth bass from the creek, while children should be limited to two meals per month.

“Maryland is committed to reducing the risks of PFAS chemicals in our state and continuing our close coordination with scientific, local, state and federal partners,” Maryland Environment Secretary Ben Grumbles said. “Our focus on PFAS in fish tissue and the resulting consumption advisory is another step forward in understanding, communicating and reducing the potential for harm.”

Maryland has monitored levels of certain chemicals, including polychlorinated biphenyl (PCB) and mercury, in the state’s recreationally caught fish for decades. Findings from such monitoring are the basis for MDE’s fish consumption guidelines.

In fall 2020, MDE’s fish tissue sampling program began to include sampling for PFAS. PFAS refers to a group of more than 4,000 human-made chemicals that have been used since the 1940s in a range of products, including stain- and water-resistant fabrics and carpeting, cleaning products, paints, cookware, food packaging and fire-fighting foams. These uses have led to PFAS entering the environment, where they have been measured in soil, surface water, groundwater and seafood. Most people have been exposed to PFAS because of its use in so many common consumer goods.

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has determined that exposure to PFOS over certain levels may increase the risk of developmental health effects during pregnancy or to breastfed infants as well as the risk of cancer, immune system damage or damage to the liver, thyroid or other organ systems.

The Maryland Department of Environment found elevated concentrations of PFOS in redbreast sunfish, yellow bullhead catfish and largemouth bass, leading to the new guidelines. MDE is also expanding sample collection in the larger Potomac area between fall 2021 and fall 2022.

In fall 2020, MDE began sampling of fish tissue for PFAS on the Eastern Shore, which includes stations in the Chester, Choptank, Corsica, Elk and Wicomico rivers and Isle of Wight and Chesapeake bays. The results from that sampling showed no levels of concern.