PFAS are turning up in the Great Lakes, putting fish and water supplies at risk – here’s how they get there

Some of these ‘forever chemicals’ are toxic at very low levels. They can get into water systems and bioaccumulate in fish, ultimately posing risks to people.

By: Christy Remucal, University of Wisconsin-Madison, The Conversation

Outlets: The Conversation

Published: January 28, 2026

Words: 1,301

Last Updated: 1 month, 2 weeks ago

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By Christy Remucal, University of Wisconsin-Madison

No matter where you live in the United States, you have likely seen headlines about PFAS being detected in everything from drinking water to fish to milk to human bodies.

PFAS, or per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, are a group of over 10,000 synthetic chemicals. They have been used for decades to make products waterproof and stain- and heat-resistant – picture food wrappers, stain-resistant carpet, rain …

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