Dangerous amount of forever chemical is being found in fishes. Symbol photo (Pixabay)
If you eat freshwater fish, it will poison the body as much as drinking contaminated water for a month. According to the study done in America, the amount of forever chemical in the fish of river or lakes is increasing rapidly. This is that chemical, which does not end even after thousands of years. Scientists are considering it the most dangerous poison of the century.
Fish lovers talk a lot about its benefits, such as being rich in protein and omega-3 fatty acids. Fish is a major part of the diet of non-veg eaters. Although the fishes are also becoming poisonous now. In a joint study by the Environmental Protection Agency and the Food and Drug Administration of America, it was found that the water of America's lakes and rivers has become so polluted that even the fish living in it are becoming poisonous. In a study published in Science Direct, it was claimed that 278 times forever chemical has been found in freshwater fishes, which can cause serious diseases.
what is forever chemical
This is called Per-and-Polyfluoroalkyl Substance (PFAS). This is the chemical that is usually found in nonstick or water-resistant clothing, such as raincoats, umbrellas or mobile covers. It is also found in small amounts in shampoos, nail polish and eye-makeup. Many studies clearly tell about its dangers.
Why is it considered dangerous
It has a direct effect on growth and hormones. Due to this, problems like thyroid and cholesterol occur. Even in pregnant women it can cause miscarriage or premature birth. There is a possibility of the body and brain of such children not developing properly. In the year 2017, the International Agency for Research on Cancer clearly called PFOA a human carcinogen, which means that there is a possibility of cancer. Especially kidney and testis cancer.
started getting thousands of times chemical
After a study for 3 consecutive years in American rivers and lakes, it was shown that this chemical is not found in small amounts, but 2,400 times more in the organisms found in the water. If you eat even one serving of such sea-food in a month, then it is exactly the same as if you are drinking water full of bacteria and other germs throughout the month. Scientists have even said that eating fish even 4 times in a year reaches dangerous levels of PFAS in the body. This pattern was found in 48 states of America, not just one.
Nonstick utensils also contain per-and-polyfluoroalkyl substances. Symbol photo (Pixabay)
ubiquitous presence
The most frightening thing is that even the ponds or rivers which are far away from the factories, the amount of forever chemical was found in the water. That is, this chemical is now everywhere. Please tell that this chemical is called forever because it does not end. Or maybe it ends after thousands of years, about which even scientists do not know at present. Overall, it is considered more dangerous than plastic, on which there is no control in most countries.
The use of PFAS started from the year 1940. Its use continued to grow through food packaging and non-stick as it survives heat, oil and water. Its durability is proving dangerous for the environment. It is putting fishes and wildlife in danger through soil, water. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention also said in a 2019 study that about 98 percent of Americans have this chemical in their bodies, due to contaminated water and food.
What are the things around you that have this chemical
The study is from America. Even though there is no study on this here, but products containing chemicals are being found very fiercely. From pizza boxes, food wrappers, take-out boxes, microwave popcorn bags, bakery bags, nonstick pans, carpets, car seats to umbrellas, raincoats, and any fabric claimed to be stain or water-poof, they all contain PFAS.