Greenpeace is calling for a comprehensive ban on PFAS, also known as 'forever chemicals,' due to their persistent nature and harmful health effects, including cancer and hormonal disruptions.

The German authorities are urged to increase testing of seafood for PFAS contamination, especially in the North and Baltic Seas, where Greenpeace found high levels of these chemicals in fish, shellfish, and crabs.

Greenpeace's investigation confirmed widespread contamination, with all 17 samples from various German locations testing positive for PFAS, including the carcinogenic compound PFOS present in every sample.

The presence of toxic PFAS like PFOS and PFOA was confirmed, with 16 out of 17 samples showing a mixture of different PFAS compounds, indicating extensive environmental contamination.

PFAS are synthetic chemicals used in many everyday products for their water and oil resistance, but they are persistent in the environment, accumulating in ecosystems and humans, and are linked to serious health issues such as liver damage, immune system impairment, reduced vaccine efficacy, fertility problems, and cancer.

Known as 'forever chemicals,' PFAS resist natural degradation and bioaccumulate, raising significant concerns about their long-term impact on health and the environment.

Greenpeace's research shows that seafood from the North and Baltic Seas, including fish, shellfish, and crabs, contain high levels of PFAS, often exceeding safety thresholds.

Consumption of 150 grams of contaminated seafood like plaice, herring, halibut, or crabs can surpass the EU's recommended weekly PFAS intake for adults, posing potential health risks.

German environmental agencies, including the Federal Environment Agency and Umweltbundesamt, have detected PFAS in fish samples, sometimes exceeding safety limits, but oppose a total ban, favoring targeted regulation instead.

Greenpeace criticizes the chemical industry for blocking stricter regulations on PFAS despite the availability of safer, PFAS-free alternatives, calling for an outright ban on PFAS in consumer products.

The contamination of seafood with PFAS highlights ongoing environmental pollution and raises concerns about consumer health, especially with regular consumption.

Germany's government prefers a European-level approach to regulating PFAS, opposing a total ban while recognizing their dangers and allowing certain uses like medical devices with safeguards.