CHARLOTTE, N.C. — A new report dives into concerning findings of forever chemicals in freshwater fish nationwide and in the Carolinas.
KFF Health published a report in USA Today that says many states aren’t warning residents of the toxic chemicals present in waterways and fish. According to the article, North Carolina is one of the 17 states that does notify people, and it’s for good reason.
There are concerning levels of PFAS, or forever chemicals, found in the Carolinas' rivers and fish. The report cites a national study from about 10 years ago that found catfish in the Catawba River had high levels of forever chemicals.
"It ain’t like it used to be," fisherman Jeff Rudisill said to WCNC Charlotte. "You used to come over here and catch a bunch of fish and cook ‘em and eat ‘em, you can’t do that anymore," he said before fishing on the Catawba River.
Rudisill also said he's noticed a worsening trash problem on local lakes and rivers.
Forever chemicals are indeed found in the trash. Plus, studies have found manufacturing facilities and landfills may be putting toxins into surface water.
In Fayetteville, the manufacturer known as The Chemours Company is required by the state to reduce its release of forever chemicals after finding it was contaminating the Cape Fear River.
Just last week, local leaders there applauded the state for stopping the company from importing toxic waste from overseas.
“It is non-negotiable. We must have clean water. It is unacceptable for companies like Chemours to poison our water," Dane Scalise, a New Hanover County commissioner told NBC affiliate WECT-TV.
State officials warned this summer not to eat fish in the Cape Fear River due to high levels of forever chemicals. The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services said negative effects include, “increased cholesterol levels; decreased immune system response; and increased risk of certain types of cancer.”
If someone is set on eating fish, the KFF Health report says ocean-caught fish appear to have lower levels of toxins.
Contact Julia Kauffman at jkauffman@wcnc.com and follow her on Facebook, X and Instagram.