PFCs are very persistent and have the potential to bio-accumulate in the food web. The human and ecotoxicological effects were investigated in various studies. However, most studies focused only on the compounds PFOS and PFOA. Additional toxicity information is needed for other PFCs and more exposed species.
Studies have found PFOS and PFOA in the bloodsamples of the general human population andwildlife nationwide, indicating that exposure to thechemicals is widespread (ATSDR 2009; EPA2006a).Reported data indicate that serum concentrations of PFOS and PFOA are higher in workers and individuals living near fluorochemical production facilities than for the general population (Calafat and others 2007; EPA 2009c). Potential pathways, which may lead to widespreadexposure, include ingestion of food and water, useof commercial products or inhalation from longrangeair transport of PFC-containing particulate
matter (ATSDR 2009; EPA 2009c).Based on the limited information available, fishand fishery products seem to be one of theprimary sources of human exposure to PFOS(EFSA 2008).While a federal screening level or toxicity value for the consumption of fish has not yet been established, the Dutch National Institute for Public Health and the Environment has calculated a maximum permissible concentration for PFOS of 0.65 nanograms per liter (ng/L) for fresh water (based on consumption of fish by humans as the most critical route) (Moermond and others 2010).