Officials from the Virginia Department of Health are advising residents not to consume certain species of fish caught in the Occoquan Watershed.
Elevated levels of perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS) — a manmade chemical used in products ranging from carpet to firefighting foams — have been observed in samples of largemouth bass and bluegill sunfish collected from the waterway, health officials said today (Tuesday).
“The health effects of PFOS exposure can include increased cholesterol or changes in liver enzymes,” the VDH said. “It can also lower antibody response to some vaccines. It can cause pregnancy-induced hypertension and preeclampsia, and a decrease in birth weight.”…