Oysters in Florida are more than pearls. They're full of toxic chemicals.
Florida International University researchers published Wednesday a new study that found contaminants in the mollusks of Biscayne Bay and Marco Island. These contaminants are known as perfluoroalkyl, polyfluoroalkyl (PFAs), and phthalate ester (PAEs). PFAs are synthetic chemicals that don’t dissolve in the environment. PFAs have been found in many industry products, such as cosmetics and nonstick cookware.
The Environmental Protection Agency stated that PFAs were found in blood from both humans and animals around the globe. They also said that studies have shown that certain forms of PFAs can cause "harmful health effects" in both animals and humans.
These contaminants were found in all 156 oysters studied by FIU researchers. Science of the Total Environment published the findings.
Leila Lemos, the lead author of this study, stated in a statement that she wanted to investigate what our bodies are eating. These findings are a red flag for Biscayne Bay and other areas.
Biscayne Bay oysters had the highest concentrations, despite being the smallest. This contrast was stark with the oysters from Tampa Bay which had some of the most studied, but contained significantly less chemicals than those from Biscayne Bay.
This means that Biscayne may be so contaminated that oysters are being exposed to high levels of PAEs and PFAs, according to researchers. This is causing them to accumulate more contaminants quickly due to the water's over saturation.
The small size of Biscayne Bay oysters could also be due to the chemical bombardment. They are likely interfering in their growth. Researchers discovered that oysters with the highest levels of chemicals had thinnest shells.
Lemos stated that there is no risk to human health from PFAs. However, this was based only on four types of PAEs compounds and the four types they tested. There are many different PFAs.
These oysters may not be a major risk but they are only one of many sources of "forever chemicals" people come across every day. According to the study, the risk of contamination exposure is likely to be higher.
These chemicals can also be found in fish, milk products, food packaging and fire extinguishing foam. These toxic chemicals could be found in the drinking water of more than 200 million Americans in each state.
The EPA noted that certain levels of hormone interference can lead to fertility problems, delayed development in children, and increased cancer risk.
