Journal of Science Policy & Governance
Volume 24, Issue 01 | April 30, 2024

Policy Memo:  ​Setting PFAS-Based Fish Consumption Advisories for Virginia Waterways 

Tabitha King 
  • George Mason University, Environmental Science and Policy Department, Fairfax, VA, USA
​
​Corresponding author: [email protected] ​​
Keywords: science policy; PFAS; fish consumption advisories; Virginia; perfluorooctane sulfonate; fish tissue screening 
https://doi.org/10.38126/JSPG240109 ​

Executive Summary

This policy memo is intended for the Commissioner of Health at the Virginia Department of Health (VDH). The memo provides recommendations when assessing the need for per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS)-based fish consumption advisories in Virginia waterways. High-frequency fish consumers and sensitive populations face a greater risk of negative health effects from exposure to PFAS through eating local freshwater fishes. By performing state-wide fish screening assessments for relevant PFAS, the VDH can determine if the nutritional benefits from eating fish outweigh the health risks from PFAS exposure. The following memo recommends that VDH update their PFAS fish tissue screening assessment to include PFUnA and PFDA and release final fish tissue screening recommendations for PFOA and PFOS.

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Background header image courtesy of CivilEats
Tabitha King is a 5th-year Ph.D. student in the Environmental Science and Public Policy Program at George Mason University. She uses triple quadrupole liquid chromatography mass spectrometry to detect PFAS in aquatic biota, sediment, and surface water from the tidal freshwater Potomac River. In addition, she is gathering data on the fish consumption behavior of local anglers. After earning her Ph.D., Tabitha plans to pursue a career in research in a State or Federal agency. 
​
Acknowledgements 
The author would like to thank Dr. Karen L. Akerlof and Dr. Thomas Huff at George Mason University for their comments on this publication. 

Disclaimer 
The author discloses that they have no conflict of interest.

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