Toxic PFAS chemicals, also known as ‘forever chemicals,’ are turning up in wildlife at alarming levels – far higher than previously detected.
In a new study, scientists at the Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU) have uncovered massive concentrations of these persistent pollutants in migratory birds and their food sources, revealing that PFAS contamination is far more pervasive and insidious than earlier research suggested.
This discovery, made possible by a new detection method, sheds light on the silent spread of environmental toxins across global ecosystems and the potential risks to human health.
What are PFAS chemicals?
PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances) are a large group of synthetic chemicals that resist breaking down in the environment and the human body.
Often referred to as forever chemicals, PFAS accumulate over time, leading to potential long-term health risks.
These substances are widely used in products such as non-stick cookware, fire retardants, water-repellent fabrics, and ski wax.
Studies have linked PFAS exposure to a range of health issues, including cancer, liver damage, immune system disruption, hormonal imbalances, fertility issues, and developmental problems in children.
Bird livers show shocking increase in PFAS
The latest research, supported by the Research Council of Norway, involved analysing samples from 25 wading birds and 30 shellfish along the East Asian–Australasian Flyway – a key migration route stretching from Siberia to Australia.
This path is home to millions of migratory birds, many of which are experiencing steep population declines.
What researchers discovered was startling: bird livers contained up to 180 times more PFAS chemicals than previously reported.
This increase is partly attributed to a new detection method called the Total Oxidizable Precursor (TOP) assay, which allows scientists to identify PFAS precursors – substances that degrade into the more well-known, harmful variants.
Why the new method matters
Traditional methods have mainly focused on perfluoroalkyl acids (PFAAs), a well-researched subset of PFAS.
However, the TOP assay reveals hidden precursors – chemicals that are not easily detected but transform into PFAAs over time.
These findings suggest earlier studies may have significantly underestimated the true extent of PFAS contamination in wildlife.
This breakthrough underscores how PFAS pollution could be more widespread than previously believed, especially in ecosystems linked to food chains involving both animals and humans.
Food chain implications
Shellfish collected from coastal China- feeding grounds for the sampled birds – also tested positive for high PFAS levels.
Since both animals and humans ingest these chemicals through food and water, the study points to a concerning pathway of exposure up the food chain.
The study not only sheds light on PFAS levels in migratory birds but also raises red flags about broader ecological and human health risks stemming from these persistent pollutants.
A call for greater oversight
The findings reinforce the urgent need for global regulatory measures and expanded scientific inquiry into the origins, spread, and health effects of PFAS chemicals.
As detection technology advances, so too must our understanding of how these substances permeate ecosystems and impact living organisms.
